Tag Archives: shorts

August 13, 2015 · 11:10 pm

Bermuda Shorts and Basket-weave Top

Seattle’s summer is showing no signs of slowing down—and I’m not complaining! I love the warm weather. In summer I gravitate toward dresses, but shorts are a nice change.

Bermuda shorts

Top: Damselfly Seattle
Shorts: Saltworks via swapped
Shoes: Aerosoles
Purse: Crystalyn Kae
Bracelet: Brooklyn flea market

Shorts are usually too short and casual for work, but Bermuda-length shorts are fine in creative and/or casual environments.

woven-pattern top

I wore these to work with a loose top. I was drawn to this pattern because it looked like a thick, woven fabric. It’s an illusion—the pattern is printed on the fabric.

I like the dark background and how the top incorporates so many colors. It means I can wear this with almost anything. I like it with denim (so the denim shorts are a good fit), but it will look great with any solid pant or short.

shorts and sandals

I met up with Crystalyn Kae at Urban Craft Uprising this past July and I ended up with a cute lime green cross-body purse. Adorable, isn’t it?

Crystalyn Kae purse

1 Comment

Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as Crystalyn Kae, sandals, shorts, style, vegan

August 6, 2015 · 10:45 pm

White Shorts and a Sweater

I love the look of a long-sleeved top with shorts. But it’s not always practical. If it’s cool enough for a sweater, it’s usually too cold for shorts. If it’s hot enough for shorts, who wants to wear a sweater?

coral sweater

Sweater: H&M
Shorts: Old Navy
Shoes: BHAVA Studio
Sunglasses: Convenience Store

On a summer day with a bit of cloud coverage, I knew this combo would work. As the sun set, I was right. My legs weren’t too cold, and the cotton sweater was perfect in summer evening.

shorts and a sweater

I chose my white jean shorts because they’re sturdy (aka not transparent). A lot of white fabrics are sheer and seams and underwear show through. White denim is a perfect solution.

white shorts

My BHAVA shooties are making another appearance. I predicted they would, they’re just so comfortable and versatile!

Double Denim

I’ve been told jean-on-jean is not a good look. Even if your name is Jean–and I agree (usually). If denim on top and on bottom looks very “Jay Leno on the weekend” (it’s also a look referred to as a Canadian tuxedo).

To look more fashionista and less farmer (not that I have anything against farmers), wear different shades of denim.

Dress as top: Roberta Oaks
Shorts: Banana Republic
Shoes: Aerosoles
Purse: Shiraleah

I paired a light chambray dress over shorts with a darker wash. You can try a dark denim jacket with faded jeans, a medium wash with colorful skinnies, or my favorite: blue with white denim.

I got this dress in Hawaii–where baring a lot was common. When I threw it on in Seattle, I felt underdressed. As summer progresses, I’ll get over that feeling. But for now, the dress is a tunic and the shorts are a good transition into skimpy summer looks.

I like remixing my clothes and layering is a great way to change up the look of certain pieces. Short dresses look great over skinny jeans, leggings, and even long, slim-cut shorts.

Do you have other tricks for re-wearing items?

2 Comments

Filed under Fashion

Tagged as chambray, denim, fashion, jeans, shorts, style

October 2, 2013 · 9:33 pm

Window Shopping in Snohomish

Snohomish, to me, seems like quintessential small-town America, with its picturesque views, mom and pop shops, and quaint diners. I recently took a Sunday drive to Snohomish with Mr. Jean of all trades so we could window shop.

Shirt: Bébénoir
Shorts: Calvin Klein
Boots: MIA
Bag: Matt & Nat
Necklace: Elma Blint
Ring: Silk Wire Jewelry
Cuff: Lauren Harkness

I’m still on my boots and shorts kick, so I paired my new white shirt from Bébénoir in NYC with my faded denim shorts and caramel boots. My shirt works for both big city looks and small town outfits.

Today, my jewelry is all so special. I got the cuff at a craft fair in Seattle, my ring at a flea market in Harlem, and my necklace from another flea market in Brooklyn. All three pieces are one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces by local artisans.

I liked getting design ideas from the beautiful window displays. Seems like an eclectic shabby chic look dominated the designs this season.

I found a clothing store called the Natural Clothing Company and found a couple of cute, sustainable dresses (blogged about one here). And we stumbled across a pub that served Schӧfferhofer, just like I had at the Harlem Tavern. Hubby and I each had a glass to remind me of my fun trip to NYC.

I’m joining Style Elixir, The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde for linkups. Have a look at what others are blogging about!

9 Comments

Filed under Crafts, Decor, Fashion

Tagged as boots, fashion, jewelry, shorts, style

September 23, 2013 · 10:47 pm

Transitioning into Fall with Shorts

I’m lucky that Seattle weather has been mostly nice this September. It’s a perfect time for shorts and boots–and if it does rain, my feet are covered. My boots are pleather, which makes them almost rainwear.

Shorts: Ross Dress for Less
Shorts: Calvin Klein via Marshall’s
Boots: MIA
Cuff: Lauren Harkness

Until now, I’d only worn my sheer black and red snakeskin print shirt with black pants. So I thought I’d try a more multicolored look this time. I paired the normally dressy shirt with faded denim shorts and my caramel-colored boots. And since I didn’t wear this to the office, I went bold and ditched the cami.

I don’t wear shorts and boots a lot but I had fun with this outfit. It’s perfect for errands, a casual lunch, or whatever else the day throws at me.

Do you wear boots and shorts? What’s your go-to seasonal transition look?

I’m joining Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet and Monday Bloom at DC in Style. Have a look at all the other posts!

8 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Street Style

Tagged as animal print, boots, fashion, shorts, style, thrifty fashion, vegan

July 23, 2013 · 9:43 pm

Red Shorts and Polka-dots

I’m on a roll, wearing shorts like nobody’s business. I think they work best (at least on me) when they hit at the widest part of my thigh and are slightly loose.

Top: Goodwill
Shorts: Swapped
Shoes: Thrifted
Belt: Truth Belts
Hat: Payless

I almost didn’t get these red shorts. They were castoffs from my last clothing exchange. I was gathering up the unwanted items and getting a big pile of clothes ready for Goodwill when I spotted them. I thought they’d be good for gardening but I’ve been wearing them out.

Today I dressed them up with a chunky-heeled sandal and my straw fedora. I hid the turquoise band with a black ribbon so the hat matches the outfit. Next time, I’ll wear a longer shirt. There’s nothing like seeing yourself in photos to realize what works and what doesn’t! I’m owning this fail.

I joined The Anything & Everything Blog Hop at My Thrifty Chic and What I wore Wednesday at Transatlantic Blonde. Now I’m off to see what everyone else is wearing!

13 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, fedora, hat, polka dots, sandals, shorts, style, thrifty fashion

June 30, 2013 · 10:49 pm

Staying Cool in the Heat Wave

It sounds unreal, but Seattle does get heat waves from time to time. We’re in the middle of the one hitting the West right now–and there’s no sign of letting up.

Fedora: Payless
Top: Goodwill
Shorts: Old Navy
Shoes: Luo Luo (from Amazon)
Faux leather purse: Target

All I can do is dress light and drink lots. Instead of blow-drying my hair or straightening it, I add a surf spray texturizer and let it get a bit wavy. My hair is naturally pretty straight so this is as much wave as I can coax out of it. As least wind and sweat won’t make it look worse!

To keep the sun off my head, I tried out my new fedora. I have to say, I love it! The straw is great for summer and it doesn’t trap the heat like most hats do. Fun fact: Did you know the fedora was originally a woman’s hat? The word comes from the title of an 1882 play. The main character, Princess Fédora, was played by Sarah Bernhard, who wore a center-creased, soft brimmed hat on stage. Women’s rights activists adopted the fashion right away. Men didn’t start to wear fedoras until the 1920s.

In my 30s, I swore off shorts, but a couple of years ago, I brought them back into my wardrobe. I used to think they were too casual, but with a pair of wedges, they’re fun. These ones are faux leather, come in nine colors, and are on sale for less than $25! It was hard to choose, but I do like the blue.

I balanced out my outfit with a loose, billowy top. It’s much cooler than something body-hugging anyway. I found this floral top at Goodwill. It was a size too big, but tucking in one side seems to make it work.

What are your tricks for staying cool in the heat? Maybe some of the women participating in Visible Monday have ideas!

7 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, floral, sandals, shorts, style, thrifty fashion, wedge heels

June 13, 2013 · 6:58 am

Shorts for Cooler Days

I actually took these photos a couple of months ago, but on cooler spring nights, the shorts-and-tights combo comes in handy so I thought I’d share this unused set of photos.

Velvet jacket: Forever 21
Shirt: Old Navy
Belt: Goodwill
Shorts: Goodwill
Tights: Target
Shoes: John Fluevog
Purse: Shiraleah

When I put this outfit together, it reminded me of something the ever-stylish Sarah Hulbert would wear. I love her use of texture, layering and belts.

There’s only one problem with this outfit: My shoes. Don’t get me wrong, I love the style, and they’re really comfortable. However, to fall in line with my eating habits (vegan), I’ve stopped wearing leather shoes. So at the time of this post, the shoes are up on eBay. I’m raising funds to buy some vegan replacements.

I had fun mixing colors and textures with this outfit and I’ll try something similar with a summer twist. Oh, one least thing–posting “old” photos is a great way to see that my hair is actually growing! The trouble is, I see this bob and sort of want to get a haircut. Do you have a go-to haircut or are you always trying something new?

2 Comments

Filed under Ethical, Fashion, Thrifty

Tagged as fashion, John Fluevog, shorts, style, thrifty fashion, tights

September 18, 2012 · 9:45 pm

Shorts and a Bright Yellow Tote

I love the look of a long-sleeved top paired with shorts. For most shorts-wearing weather, it’s too hot for long tops though. that’s why fall is the perfect time for this look. It’s a nice transition between skimpy summer clothes, and warmer autumn attire.

shorts and top

Top: Florida street vendor
Shorts: H&M
Tote: Snap Designs
Shoes: Goodwill
Necklaces: eBay (wing); Falling Whistles (whistle)
Bracelets: Shop on Bainbridge Island

The weather is still in the 70s around here, so I threw on a loose cotton knit top with dressy shorts. I’d never been a fan of shorts (and I still think a skirt trumps them for most occasions), but I have branched out and tried shorts more in the past year. I don’t think I had a pair of shorts in my closet for a long time–turns out, they’re fun to wear with tights though.

yellow bag

I’m getting lots of use out of my Snap Designs tote. I wasn’t sure how versatile yellow would be, but it is! It’s a fun piece that pops and doesn’t really have to match anything else I’m wearing. I also tried layering necklaces just like I stack multiple bracelets. It’s a fun way to create different looks with exiting pieces.

detail of tote and necklaces

I think the shorts carry over into fall. What transition pieces are you taking with you from summer to autumn?

the whole look

8 Comments

Filed under Fashion, Street Style

Tagged as falling whistle, fashion, shorts, style, thrifty fashion

September 11, 2012 · 6:40 am

Back to School Look

I haven’t had to worry about going back to school for a long time but I did start a new job a couple of weeks ago, so I’ve dealt with a lot of similar concerns: first-day jitters, what to wear, decorating my ~~locker~~ office, finding my way through a new building. So when I found out Everybody, Everywear had a back to school challenge, I accepted.

back to school

Sweater: Store in Vancouver
Shorts: Salt Works via swapped
Shoes: Kelly and Katie
Bag: Furla via gifted
Bracelets: Lucca
Necklace: Falling Whistle

This outfit isn’t prep-school crisp, nor does it incorporate plaid, a pleated skirt, or uniform of any kind. But it is more fall-like than most things I’ve been wearing lately. I’ll break it down.

back to school outfit

A sweater is quintessentially fall. In burgundy (or, as they’re calling it this season, oxblood), it’s autumnal for sure. Yes I have on shorts–a staple of summer–but in the longer length and denim fabric, I feel more British schoolboy than Daisy Duke.

My shoes are what really remind me of the school uniform season. A low, buckled flat (and in this season’s color).

shoes

The necklace is a Falling Whistle. Not a back to school item by any means. It’s part of a campaign for peace in the Congo (and the opposite of a child soldier is a child in school–so I thought it worked). Jamillah from Made to Travel wrote about them and I bought one.

outfit details with whistle

Summer didn’t start in Seattle until mid-July so I’m not ready to switch gears and dress for fall. As long as the weather allows it, I’ll be bare-legged and coatless. I do need a back to school haircut. I’ve been trimming and coloring my own hair since December in an attempt to grow it out and see if I can go a year with out a salon visit.

Are you going back to school? Ready for fall or hanging onto the last of summer?