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: NOT so short denim shorts

 TGIF! This has been one of the fullest weeks I've had this year and it's all been fun! Vivian started swimming lessons, we both went to the dentist, I finished a two semester long bible study, Vivian participated in her preschool's bike-a-thon, she had tap & ballet lessons, and this morning I am helping her class with an Easter egg hunt and party. Along with these activities I still went to the gym daily, kept my home tidy and worked my job.  Pretty sure I'm taking tonight off because tomorrow is packed with more all day fun with my sister and Vivian's cousins. I can't wait for all the fun Spring Break has in store for us next week :) 

Shorts, they're my least favorite garment to wear. I'm not fond of my legs but I am working on this insecurity daily. Shorts, whether I like them or not, are practical and comfortable when it comes to surviving the Summer's heat. And let me be clear, they are cute gals. I just wish my legs looked cute in them! 

My Shorts

As versatile and classic as a pair of jeans are in our wardrobe, as are denim shorts. A pair with just a smidge longer length is essential for me. It provides coverage and confidence so that I can move and chase my darling with ease. A higher rise is also a preferred fit. It creates an elongated appearance, highlights the waist line and pairs nicely with shorter tops and for tucking in tops. 

Here are my favorite not so short denim shorts ...

Light Wash Distressed

White

I own these too and Love them!

Medium Wash High Rise

Relaxed Mid Length

Curvy Fit

Classic 

Boyfriend Short

Dress Beautifully in Not So Short Denim 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

Summer Blaze

Summer can feel as hot as blazes! But just like I shared with you last week about dressing up a pair of shorts here on this post, you can still stay cool and look chic.

Shorts by nature are casual so when you contrast with dressier tops you create a nice modern balance.

Blazers can often convey a heavier, and sometimes stuffy vibe.  But in lighter fabrics and colors they won't weigh you down but simply add structure and shape to your body/outfit. Not all blazers are created equal, the key is in the details.  Functional cuff buttons allow you to roll up the sleeves for a more relaxed look.

Keep your underpinning loose and airy such as a camisole or cotton tee.  You can showcase even more of your personality with a graphic tee.

Same goes for shorts.  If you're more of a preppy gal opt for colored, printed or striped shorts, if you're more casual/sporty opt for distressed denim and if you are on the classic side of style choose a high waist short in a neutral shade.

Accessorizing with dainty gold jewelry adds just the right sprinkle of shine and doesn't overwhelm the overall look.

Mixing super casual pieces with dressier pieces not only allows for versatility of your wardrobe but presents a modern style that's worth admiration.

Blazer | Cami | Shorts | Pumps | Earrings | Layered Necklaces |

Dress Beautifully in a Blazer & Shorts

XOXO Sarah Louise