Friday Favorites: Shorts that Flatter

TGIF! We've been on Spring Break this week visiting Vivian's Granny & Papa while Ryan takes a work assignment nearby on the coast. Gals, it's been a dream! I've slept longer, relaxed and enjoyed restful hobbies like puzzles and reading. I'm most grateful for the break from cooking, cleaning and the every day hustle. 

My shorts - I have 3 pairs in various washes

Note: I went up a size in these and should have stayed with my normal size 

as the waist and hips are too roomy

Spring break kicks off a season for all things warm, fun and outdoors. With that comes clothing that is cool and practical. Shorts are a key element to that. Prior to motherhood I didn't have to confront my disdain for shorts very often but in this season of outdoor play I find that I wear them the most UGH

Confession: my legs are my least liked when it comes to my physical appearance. I work on gratitude and appreciation for them daily. 

As with my approach with all fashion, I look for design elements that flatter my figure.

Here are the 5 things I look for in shorts:

1. 4-4.5" inseam - this length is just right ... any shorter or longer is a bit unflattering for me

2. Wide leg opening - extra room in the leg creates a slimming look and is more comfortable 

3. High Rise - 8-9" rise ... any higher or shorter is a bit unflattering for me

4. Thick Fabric - a dense fabric holds it's shape creating a structured silhouette 

5. Skimming Shape - I often go up 1 size for a fit that just touches

I find these shorts to be flattering for all ...

Denim Shorts 

These are my FAVORITE!

I have multiple pairs in a variety of washes and wear them the most!

A-Line Denim Shorts

I found these this week and ordered a pair - available in 7 washes

I love the flare leg! So flattering! 

High Rise Cut Off

Cuffed Suit Short

I have the flax & pink colors in my cart (also in white & black)

I love how dressy they are - can be styled for a night out with a heel

Tailored Shorts

5 vibrant colors - I have a pair of these

Utility Shorts

5 colors - I ordered a pair of these

Pleated Short

also in solid pink, tan & light blue

Dress Beautifully in Shorts

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Muscle Tanks & Not So Short Shorts

TGIF! The temps are rising around here which means outfits are getting smaller in efforts to stay cool. 

circa Summer 2017

Still love these denim shorts

This is an area of anxiety for me as shorts are a Summer staple and I struggle to be confident with my legs despite the rigorous exercising I've been doing for decades. I literally pray and coach myself in working to be grateful for their strength, speed and health.  They've carried me nearly 38 years without fail, even through a few half marathons, and while they'll never be strutting down a runway, they are a gift.

I'm a petite gal, but proportionately my legs are a bit bigger.  It's a challenge to find shorts that fit the waist and hips while having ample room in the leg.

Ta-Da! I've found some! I still have to take a deep breath before walking out of my door in them, but I have yet to have someone not be my friend because of a little cellulite and cankles.

Nothing goes better with shorts than a classic cotton tank! 

I'm a tank over tee gal because I feel I can move easier, stay a little cooler and they create balanced proportions since I tend to wear more coverage on my lower body. And I actually like my arms and shoulders.

Stylistically, the muscle tank is on trend, but it's also functional in that you won't have to worry about concealing your bra straps and the wider strong shoulder helps create an hourglass silhouette. 

Here are my favorite tanks & shorts:

These Shorts are high rise and have plenty of room in the leg.

Sizing: I typically go down in jeans to a 24 in this brand, but in shorts I stayed true to size at 25

These are much lower in price than designer options and are better fit and quality in my opinion!

This tank is super soft with delicate pleating at the shoulder.

I have it in 5 colors (8 available) I love it so much. I have both sizes xs & xs petite

Fantastic price!

tank sold out :(

These chino shorts are very soft, sit higher on the waist and have a slight stretch for comfort.

I have them in 4 colors and took my normal size 0.

Wore this color yesterday - Best part, price is right!

2 fit options & 8 colors I chose the standard/modern fit

My top - lots of colors.

I also have these denim shorts. Lots of room in the leg!

These longer high rise denim shorts have received great reviews.  I have them ordered but I did size up.

5 wash/finish options

I like these for a dressier option.

I have them ordered in my normal size.

Muscle Tank - 3 colors

Shoulder Pad Tee

Dress Beautifully in Muscle Tanks & Shorts

XOXO Sarah-Louise