Seersucker and Flowers

One of my trips with my mom to explore Dallas was to go to the Dallas Arboretum.  I was amazed with the arboretum.  There were acres of gorgeous flowers, water falls, and streams.  Walking around the park was extremely relaxing.  

For a day of walking around in 80 degree weather, I selected my boat shoes and seersucker shorts.  I picked up these shorts last summer for around $10 but had never wore them due to my weight gain.  Luckily, the shorts fit again!

Brown V-Neck T-Shirt - Target, Seersucker Shorts - Bass Outlet, Necklace and Earrings - Charming Charlies (gift), U-Cuff Bracelet - Baublebar, Two Tone Michael Kors Watch - Gift, Bella Handbag - c/o Jordana Paige

Here are just a few of my favorite photos from the day.

Blue and Yellow

I currently love pairing cobalt blue with yellow.  I like the extra pop of color the yellow adds to the look.  I selected this outfit for a day of shopping in the heat of Florida.

Cobalt Blue Top – Loft Outlet (not available online) – Similar
Black Bermuda Shorts  - Loft Outlet (not available online) – Similar
Black Flats – Bass Outlet (not available online) – Similar
Yellow Button Earrings – Kohls
Yellow Bracelet – Kate Spade (no longer available) – Similar
 

Do You Pair Blue With Yellow?

Trend Tuesday - Shorts with a Blazer

The weather is still ridiculously hot here so I can’t really start thinking about fall and fall trends, but I do have a trend that can transition to the fall but still work now.  I love the look of pairing a blazer with shorts.  The look can be casual but can also work for night.  Fashion is all about mixing and matching.  I like pairing a structured blazer with print shorts.  I found this photo of Joy Bryant and wanted to try to recreate the look.  

 

(via)

Here is Joy Bryant's look recreated.  Would you wear shorts with a blazer?

Tip Tuesday – The Best Shorts For Your Body Type

It is still so hot here in Florida that the only thing on my mind is summer items.  As I mentioned here, I hate shorts.  Maybe I hate them because I haven't been wearing the right shorts for my body type.  As I was reading my Glamour Magazine, I came across shorts recommendations for different body types.  So I took these recommendations and created shorts looks for these body types.

Pear -Shaped 

If you are pear-shaped your hips are larger than your shoulders.  So when selecting shorts go with  a bermuda-inspired style.  Go with a straight leg look and avoid pleats.

Click on the Photo Above for Links to Each Item

 Long - Legs

 

If you have long legs go for shorts with cute details like lace, drawstrings, or bright florals to soften your long legs.  

 

Click on the Photo Above for Links to Each Item

Plus-Size

If you are plus-size for simple, solid-color cuts in unflimsy fabric.  Look for a flat-front pair that hits your thights where they start to narrow or adjust by cuffing. 

Click on the Photo Above for Links to Each Item

 Hope these tips for shorts help!

Take Me to the Water

Here’s a look that I wore last week when I was at Table Rock Lake.  It was HOT!  I wanted something that was cool and breathable plus something I could wear down by the lake. 

 

Embroidered Peasant Top – Kohls (not available online) – Similar Item

Women's Perfect Khaki Shorts (7") – Old Navy
Brown Gladiator Sandals – Bass Outlet (not available online) – Similar Item
Silver Bangle Bracelets – Forever 21 (not available online) – Similar Item

Summer Time Purchases

On Saturday I took the Day Off from blogging and made some summer time purchases.  I saw a commercial that Old Navy was having a dress sale with dresses starting at $15.  I knew I needed to check it out.  I am on the hunt for a cotton dress that I can wear this summer but also for a wedding I have out of town next weekend.  The wedding is low key and outdoors so I was sure I would find a great summer dress.  Well I left Old Navy with a dress, shorts, sunglasses, and some silver bracelets, but not a dress I could wear for the wedding. 

 

White Strapless Dress - $30

I really loved this white dress.  I thought it would be a great addition to my closet and a great summer dress.  Unfortunately, I can’t wear white as a guest to a wedding.  Although I don’t follow all fashion rules this is one I am going to stick to.

Women's Clean-Front Twill Bermudas (10 1/2") - $15.00

I am headed to WV next week for vacation and I thought picking up a pair of cheap shorts would be an excellent purchase.  I didn’t want to ruin some of my new shorts and I figured $15 shorts would be okay if they some how got messed up.

Women’s metal bangles - $2.95

I have been buying bangle bracelets like crazy.  I am sure I didn’t need another set, but for $2.95 I had to add some more to my closet.

Women’s Cat-Eye Sunglasses - $9.50

I picked up another pair of sunglasses while at Old Navy as well.  I have a pair of Burberry Shades that I love and don’t leave home without, but I am going to be on the rivers of West Virginia next week and didn’t want the Burberry shades to be lost in the water so for $9.50 these sunglasses will work perfectly.

Although I did not find a dress for the wedding at Old Navy, my hubby and I had to run to Target for a few things.  As always, I walked out of Target with more items than I needed but scored the perfect summer dress.

 

Mossimo® Women's Pleated Zip Back Dress - Hot Orange - $24.99

 I love this dress!  The way the dress is pleated is very slenderizing and the black zipper in back gives a touch of fun.  I am sure this dress will get a lot of use this summer.

I think I made some great purchases this weekend.  Did you buy any summer items this weekend?

Do You Wear Short Shorts?

Who wears short shorts?  I don’t wear short shorts.  Yesterday, I received an email from one of my readers asking me for shorts recommendations.

I have never been a fan of shorts.  I always feel like my legs look like tree trunks and just aren’t flattering for my body.  So I generally opt for wearing skirts, dresses, and jeans in the summer.  This year I decided to make the leap and wear shorts.  Florida is already hot and humid and I think shorts are necessary.  So here are my recommendations for shorts.

The go to shorts for all body types are shorts with an inseam of 7 or 8 inches (mid-length shorts).  These types of shorts will look great on every body type.  The shorts are not too long and they aren’t too short so they will make your legs look longer but help cover up your upper thigh area.  These shorts also called walking shorts are great paired with a set of wedges. 

 

Women's Perfect Khaki Shorts (7") - $24.50

 

7" chino short - $45.00

If you have flabby thighs like I do I recommend wearing wearing shorts that go to your knees.  These shorts generally have an inseam of 9 to 10 inches.  These types of shorts are generally Bermuda shorts and will never go out of style.  These shorts will definitely make your legs appear shorter so wear them with wedges or even a pair of heels to make your legs look longer.  

 

Tan walking shorts - $49.50

 

Clean front Bermuda shorts - $44.95

 

Summerweight chino short - $49.50

If you have short legs, your goal is to make your legs look longer.  I recommend selecting shorts that have a 4 to 5 inch inseam.  These shorts are definitely shorter than I would wear, just because of my thighs, but will work great to make your legs appear longer.  

 

Women's Distressed Denim Shorts (5") - $24.50

 

Women's Perfect Khaki Shorts (5") - $24.50

 

Women's Cuffed Linen-Blend Shorts (5") - $21.99

If you are tall and have thin legs, first off I am jealous!  Secondly, I recommend shorts that are rolled up.  This will give the appearance that your legs are curvier and more muscular.  

 

Garment dyed cuffed shorts - $39.95

 

Roll-up shorts (washed color) - $39.95

 

Women's Roll-Up Utility Shorts (5") - $21.99

The weather is starting to warm up so it is time to add some shorts to your wardrobe.  Whatever your body type, select shorts that you feel comfortable wearing, if not the shorts will just take up closet space.  I hope my tips help and if you have any questions feel free to contact me. 

My Summer Essentials

I have been experiencing summer since the first part of April.  That is the great part about living in Florida.  But since Memorial Weekend is upon us, I think it is safe to say summer is officially started.  Since summer is here I thought I would share some of my summer must haves. 

A Seersucker Item

I live in the South and I love seersucker.  I think the look is great for summer.  It is light and airy but still gives you that classy look.  I have a skirt that I love and I am sure you will be seeing pictures of it this summer.  But I would love to add a pair of shorts to closet. 

 

Seersucker short Banana Republic - $49.50

For other seersucker items click here, here, here, and here.

A Big Floppy Hat 

I have a fair complexion - fair is actually an understatement, I am almost an albino.  I am seriously one of the palest people I know, except for my husband J.  He is possibly paler than me.  We could blind you, so watch out!  Since I am pale, I try to use a big hat to cover my face while being out at the beach.  I love these hats because they remind me of being on a fabulous resort lying out by the pool.

 

 Walk on the Beach Floppy Hat from D&Y - $39.00

 For other hat options click here, here, and here. 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a complete must for the summer.  I lather my body up 24/7 so that I do not get burnt.  Do you wear sunscreen?  According to Robert J. Freidman New York City dermatologists, thirty-five percent of women say they aren’t wearing sunscreen at all and that is not good enough.

Freidman states that with sunscreen it is not just about the SPF level.  “Once you go higher than SPF 50 there’s not much difference.”  He recommends that for the best protection use SPF 30 sunscreens that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or mexoryl.  I personally use SPF 50.  I have tried a lot of sunblock and I feel like I must use an SPF higher than 30 or I will get burnt.  I use Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50.  I think if the sunscreen is good enough for babies it should be good enough for my skin. 

Source: drugstore.com

The only problem with this sunscreen is that it is really thick.  I always feel like after I shower the sunscreen is still on my skin.  So I have started exfoliating after using it to make sure I get it off all my skin.  Even though the sunscreen is thick, the coverage and avoiding sunburn is what I am looking for so I love the Water Babies SPF 50.  

A Summer Read

I love reading, but especially during the summertime.  I love selecting fun chic lit books.  The books are always fun and carefree.  I just finished reading Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella.  I have read all of Kinsella’s books and particularly love the Shopaholic series.  I get the thrill of reading about the different brands and see what sort of mess Becky Bloomwood is going to get in.  So when I saw that a new Shopaholic book was published I was so excited.  Mini Shopaholic is the perfect summer read.

 

Source:  sumthinblue.com

 I hope you enjoyed my summer essentials.  What are your summer must haves?  Follow me on Twitter and Facebook to learn about summer musts. 

Beads, Gemstones, and Pearls – Oh My!

Sunday I went to the AKS Gem Show held at the Morocco Shrine Center.  I wasn’t sure I was going to find any gems or jewelry I liked, but I kind of hit the jackpot.  The center was full of different sellers.  Some were selling individual beads while others had finished products.  I purchased one finished necklace as a gift, some turquoise beads to make a necklace and bracelet for a gift as well as a bracelet for myself, and coral sponge beads.  I love the coral sponges because they are so different.  I can’t wait to make something out of this.  I have the perfect outfit to go with it! 

 Finished Necklace for a gift 

Turquoise Beads made into a necklace and bracelet 

Coral Sponge Beads

For the Gem Show, I selected and outfit that I could wear my favorite sandals.  These black Bass sandals are amazing.  They are so comfortable!  I feel like I am walking on a memory foam bed in these sandals.  So I knew they would be perfect for walking around the Gem Show.  

Blue Crochet Top – Ann Taylor Loft Outlet (not available online)
Black Cotton Twill Walking Shorts – Ann Taylor
Black Gladiator Sandals – Bass (not available online) 

Yellow Women for Women Beaded Bracelet – Kate Spade - Gift
Yellow Croft & Barrow® Silver-Tone Dome Stud Earrings – Kohls