What I Wore: The Best Shorts and Sandals For Summer

What is your day-to-day style in the summer? With Memorial Day behind us, June is ushering in the summer, which means mostly shorts and sandals for me. However, that doesn't mean that layering is last season.  Today's outfit is the perfect example of what I like to wear in summer.  It's casual but cute enough to meet up with someone. And of course, it's comfortable enough to wear all day long. What makes this outfit so comfortable? It's all about the shorts and the shoes...

Preparing for Spring/Summer Shopping & Link Up

This week's fashion post is a simple throwback to a few looks from last spring and summer. I love to do this before I make any purchases for the new season. Comparing what was trending to what is trending helps me see how I did on purchase decisions. It also helps me get organized and determine if I need to refresh shoes, shorts, etc. With stores beginning to open in our area, I'm prepared for what will feel like an amazing privilege - instore shopping! I love the convenience of shopping online, but I miss the people watching, the soft lighting in the Lucky Brand Store fitting room, and the time alone I get when I shop (no one in my family wants to go along!).

Target Mules, Causebox for Fall and The Style Six Link Up

Wrap Dress/Scarleton Crossbody/Kallie Mules/Belt (Old)

How often does the addition of new shoes or even a purse, bring new life to a neglected wardrobe piece? That happened to me this week. I found these Kallie Mules at Target on clearance and snatched them up. They are a great transition piece, especially if you live in a warmer climate. The crispness of fall is not expected here till November.  In the meantime, there's mules!

Chino Shorts For Now Or Later & The Style Six Link Up

Hey sweet friends! As you can see I'm still in shorts, but did you notice that I'm wearing long sleeves?? There's a temporary break from the stifling, sauna-like thickness of south Florida humidity and I'm taking advantage. Though temps continue in the high 80s, the gentle breezes make for a comfortable bike ride with my daytime buddies.  One boy lamented that PE was not a necessary subject and I disagreed. We need our vitamin D and daily dose of exercise!

Speaking of exercise, my mom recently challenged me to 30 minutes of activity a day for 100 days. Challenge accepted and welcomed - at least by me anyway. ;) Whether they understand it or not, burning off pent up energy helps them focus better!

Now I realize there's no need for runway fashion at home, but a comfy put-together look makes me feel more confident. I function better, even if all I'm sporting is a simple top and a cute pair of shorts!
Speaking of the shorts, I found them on sale at GAP (code SEP40 for 40% off online!) and couldn't resist. With already two pairs of chinos in solids, it was time for a striped pair, right? If shorts are already off your fall attire, you can stock up for next year!

As for the rest of this outfit, I happily shopped my closet and even ended up wearing my long neglected, classic VANS! Scroll on down for more photos with my favorite cruiser, my pick from last week's link up and of course this week's link up! I'm so glad you're here!

Drawstring Tencel Shorts & Aquarium Outfits

 Drawstring Tencel Shorts/Target Slides

Hello my friends! Today I'm introducing another clearance find: TENCEL drawstring shorts from the GAP! I had no intention of adding more draw string shorts to my closet but the softness of the material called to me. I've not had the best of luck with drawstring shorts, yet this pair came home with me. They are so comfortable, but I question how flattering they are on my build. What do you think?

Nagging doubts aside, these shorts are on repeat, firstly to the Mote Marine Labs Aquarium and then all over the town! Speaking of the aquarium, I lost count of our visits since we moved here but I thought it would be fun to share a few outfits from a few of them. In addition to outfits, I'll close with a few reasons why I think everyone can benefit from being a member - somewhere! ;)

Friday Favorites: Fashion, Summer CauseBox, Influencer Events & More

Another Friday is upon us! I'm currently seated in a friend's home in Georgia, furiously typing my favorite blog post feature of the week - Friday Favorites!! The hodge-podge of life-currently, beauty products, fashion finds, adventures, tips and ideas, etc has me all giddy to share mine and read yours! And this week is no different! Next week, I'll share snippets from this Georgia trip, but for now let's dive in to the summer fun around Sarasota!

Fashion Favorite - The Cami Dress With The Straw Tote

Remember that dress that I purchased from the GAP a month or so ago? Well, I wouldn't remember it either. So here's a pic to jog our memory!

Up Your Denim Style With a Scarf & The Smuggler's Cove Adventure

Heyyyyy! It's hump day, the last week of school for my teens AND we used our four-day Visit Sarasota VIP pass for the second time!  If you missed last week's post on Selby Gardens, I explained that I received VIP passes from Visit Sarasota for two at several participating Sarasota attractions. With only 4 valid days and a full schedule, I literally squeezed in outings. Some may call me crazy but I hate to waste opportunity!

That being said, while the older boys were in school, I bribed the younger boys to get their work done quickly with mini-golf adventures! Today's pictures are from outing #2 - Smuggler's Cove Adventures!

GAP Drawstring Linen Joggers, Styled Two Ways

 Linen Joggers/Floral Top/Target Shoes

Hey friends! I'm making it short and sweet tonight. You may remember these GAP linen joggers from a previous post (catch up HERE)! Well, I'm delighted to share two more looks that I enjoyed. As you may already know I love to get as much bang for my buck, especially when it comes to trendy-like items. Though joggers began appearing a few years ago, who knows how long they will stick around. Until then, let's have fun with them! They are lightweight and more comfortable than a pair of jeans. However, like jeans they can be worn dressed up or casually.

GAP Midi Wrap Dress & A Few More

 Short Sleeve Midi Dress/Hat/Shoes: Old/Purse: Old

Hello! My hubby and I went shopping together this weekend! I told him I'd like to shop for dresses and he volunteered to go.  Surprised but happy to oblige, we hopped into our family mobile and headed to the mall. Since I had a $30 credit at the GAP we stopped in there. Success came quickly (thank goodness - he isn't as patient as my MIL), starting off with this short sleeve midi wrap dress. Boy is that a mouthful! My husband liked this one immediately and seemed a tad disappointed that I wanted to try on ALL the ones I pulled of the racks! I'm giggling right now. He didn't understand the concept! And his commentary on the dresses that followed cracked me up.

Friday Favorites: Good Vibes & Gift Cards

Hey, hey! It's another Friday Favorites coming at ya! As I type, I'm spurred on by all the hopeful contestants on America's Got Talent. I go on these talent show kicks...The Voice, World of Dance, and now AGT. I cry along with the acts that receive affirmation of their talents and hard work. I cringe at the dangerous, death defying acts, giggle at the outlandish, oddities (hey, everyone is equally valuable but some are more comical than others) and I get all out inspired. I can write the best Friday Favorite in the WORLD! Ok, not quite but I love watching or reading things that give me all the "I can do it" fuzzies. So today I'm totally choosing AGT as my first Friday Favorite. Thank you for joining me!  (*This post may contain some affiliate links, which sends a bit of change my way but does not affect your price. Thank you so much for your support!)

GAP Finds For Spring/Summer 2019

Beeeeeeeeeeep! We interrupt the usual blog schedule for a "GAP finds" post because there is a 40% off sale going on all this week! We wouldn't want you to miss it!

And now back to our post.

Don't be deceived by the "baby" on the bag! Those clothes were for us! During our recent visit with Grandma and Grandpa, my mother-in-law and I went SHOPPING! After my 6 month "shop my closet" adventure this felt like she was taking me to Disney World. No Lie! We both love looking at home decor and shopping for clothes and as I've stated on the blog before: My MIL is one of my fashion inspirations! This lady knows her colors and she has an eye for DETAIL.

Before her visit, the boys and I had already scoped out GAP for my current closet "need". SHORTS! I loved the shorts, but they were full price. And so I waited, but I didn't have to wait long. The following week our shopping adventure began with those shorts! And wouldn't you know it? She loved them as much as I did AND there were on sale! We spent well over in hour scouring the racks, trying on our picks and even trading since we wear close to the same size!  Ok! Let's get to those clothes!

Friday Favorites: Muffin Pans, Try Ons & More

Hi! There's so much I love about Friday Favorites. It's like a practice in gratitude for me. Take for example the fact that this week started off difficult and was hectic, but when I start writing about my "favorites" I realize there was more blessing than burden. I guess it's all in how you look at it! For another, I love hearing from YOU and what your favorites are. So without further ado, I'll share my four favorites!

Racerback Tank Goes Smashingly With Camo

Surprise packages in the mail are positively delightful and when said package is a soft, adorable pink tee one might instantaneously be inspired to pair said tee with a camo skirt. And that my friends is exactly what transpired for me last week.

Ok. Enough of my silliness. In all seriousness, I had no sooner finished lamenting the need for cooler tops when this cutie arrived. What a welcome break from all the junk mail we continue to receive since moving!

I opened the box and smiled at the message from home. Sweet tokens of thoughtfulness - I can learn so much from people like that! Why is it so difficult for me to get packages sent out?? I have items that live in my closet awaiting their destiny in another home...

The 5x5 Style Challenge: Part 1

Hi! Today I'm sharing half of my first ever 5x5 style challenge! If you're accustomed to capsule wardrobes and lean towards organization in most things, a challenge likes this may be child's play for you. However, as a last-minute-spontaneous-hotmess there's a modicum of emotional danger in challenges such as these. Then I saw Ruth from My Little Nest inviting others to join her and her blogging friends in the Instagram challenge so I decided to reach out to her for more details. Why not??  It was a rainy evening and I had some free time. How hard could it be??

The Holiday Series: Black Friday Getup

Guten tag. It's another day in the blog world and I feel great to be alive. Once again I'm energized by the developing friendships with you sweet ladies! Ada, from Elegance and Mommyhood continues her hard work and fab Holiday Series post with a Black Friday outfit inspiration! Still need Thanksgiving inspiration? Check out the first post of the series HERE.

When I think of the crowded stores, unpredicatble temps, the possibility of carrying a lot of bags, etc, I plan my outfit to be comfortable and smart!

First, I start with comfortable shoes and this year I'm happy to have my trendy and cute Adidas to tromp around in. Then I go for my absolute favorite pair of pants - these joggers from the GAP. Already in the works are plans to hit up my local GAP for another pair. Lastly, I usually layer a long sleeve tee with a warm vest. This way I can suffer through a little cold while going in and out of stores, but don't have to deal with a bulky jacket once inside.  

Almost a Baker Boy Hat

Hey friends! Yesterday I found myself staring through the clothes in my closet hoping inspiration would magically transform. Well, sometimes ideas do seem to magically appear, but yesterday wasn't one of them. The struggle was real and looked like this...

Sigh.

I could wear my green denim. No. I always wear those and I've blogged about them way too many times.

My distressed denim. No. That was in my last blog post.

Leggings? Yeah, but what long top do I want to pair with them?

I should wear this new cardigan so I can blog about it. No. Not feeling it.

I pulled a few top/vest combinations out in hopes to be inspired further. Nothing.

I gave up and resorted to scrolling Pinterest, as well as my Pureple App that I used once upon a time. (They revamped their software several months back and I lost the ability to connect my uploaded photos to their online site. I've yet to motivate myself to upload everything again.)

Plaid Top and Cupcake Adventures

Hello! Today's post is filled with drivel about the weather, a peak into the everyday runnings of a stay home mom, as well as my latest cupcake adventures. So please, take a moment and share in this crazy life. I love to hear from you! Your comments, as well as shared stories enrich my day exponentially!

Shall we being with the fact that Georgia began the week with temps in the high 70s and then dropped down to the 50s within a 24 hour period?? These photos were taken in the 70s, but the wind and overcast pall should have clued us in to what was coming next.

Sandals and slightly ventilated jeans didn't keep me as cool as I thought, but those mornings can be deceivingly cool. One can attempt layering but some days...

WIW & Playing In a Friend's Closet

Hello! Today's post has more than my usual, but I hope you can hang on until the end. I know and I understand, the days are so full now!  First, let me share a mini adventure featuring this casual outfit, and then tell you about an opportunity I had to help a friend shop her own closet. 

Zoo Get Up

Outfit Breakdown: Linen Top: the GAP/Girlfriend Shorts: the GAP/Purse:Amazon/Chacos:REI/Earrings: Premier Designs
Linking up with Not Dressed As Lamb, Spread the Kindness Link up, Living On Cloud Nine, High Latitude Style, Elegance and Mommyhood, Shelbee On The Edge, Weekend Wear Link Up, Nancy's Fashion Style, Fashion Should be Fun, A Pocketful of Polkadots

***These chacos are on sale for $55.00 on the REI website!!***

Nothing fancy. I was going for cool and comfortable, which is why I reached for my linen, flowy tank from the GAP. You know what would be nice? A linen cami of sorts to layer it with? I suppose you could layer a bralette underneath, but I've not purchased one yet, so I made do with my salmon colored tank and hoped for the best. The idea was to match the tank, sandals and lipstick, but it did not translate well in the pics the way I'd hoped.

In spite of the hot weather, this day turned out to be wonderful! My only regret is not insisting on a few group photos. The zoo is one of the few places that every family member enjoys. We all love viewing the reptile habitat, which they recently reconstructed at our zoo. It's beautiful. The whole place is beautiful and I plan on returning once the weather cools down.

Someone was worn out by the time we got to the restaurant...

There was time for one short shopping outing with my beautiful mother in law...

***Shop Your Closet***

Now I'm taking today's post on a wild turn...from animals to the crazy and sometimes savage condition of the female closet!! Is it a complete mess? Is it neat and orderly? Whatever the state your closet is in, the question of what to wear will still be voiced from time to time. Which brings me to the next question...what do you do when you're stuck in a fashion rut? I blog and gain weekly inspiration from my fellow bloggers. I now find that putting outfits together is a fun hobby that is so practiced I don't think too much about the process anymore. Of course I get stuck in fashion ruts, but with the weekly inspiration gained from other bloggers, I don't stay there long.

But what about those of us that don't blog, or find enjoyment from playing dress-up in their closet? There are some that look at their closet and feel overwhelmed and don't have any idea as to what to add or take away from their existing wardrobe. Time to search Pinterest for capsule wardrobe ideas, or scroll through endless IG pics just isn't available.

I've shopped with friends to help them pick out a few new items, because who doesn't like a second opinion?! However, I find that if I'm going to help for the long term we should start in their closet.  A fresh pair of eyes helps a friend see new possibilities; new life to old pants, neglected accessories to complete a look, cardigans for that extra layer (or if you're like me, hide what needs to be hidden). These "fresh" eyes also help decide what needs to go and visualize how great the wardrobe could become. After that, it is time to create a shopping list.

I invited myself to do just that for my friend Carrie. ;) She warned me ahead of time that her closet was in sad shape. However, upon arrival, all I saw was potential. Carrie had already cleaned through her closet so there was not a lot in there, but I think it made it easier to create multiple combinations. 

With her permission, I did a quick inventory and rearranged a few items to work within the confines of the top-bottom-layer system.

We began with 4 tops, 4 cardigans, 4 pairs of shoes and 2 pairs of pants. Time began to fly by! In fact, we ran out of time before we ran out of combinations!  For most, changing in and out of clothes while remaining focused on wardrobe goals, can be a CHORE. That's why it's nice to have a wardrobe director. It's one of the few times I get bossy.

"Here, try this."

"Nope. Change that out and put it with this."

"Do you have it in you for one more?"

Carrie graciously tried combinations she was skeptical about, some of which she ended up liking. We were both tired by the end of our session, but I was elated with the results. I couldn't wipe my goofy grin off my face and I clapped in childlike fashion when we discovered all the potential that was awaiting inside Carrie's closet--all without purchasing a single item!

What's the best part? Seeing your friend smile at her reflection in the mirror and appreciate her God-given beauty. Regardless of what she wears, Carrie is beautiful inside and out, and anyone who knows her would agree. Most importantly, Carrie knows she is valued beyond measure by her Creator. Helping her feel good about what she wears gives her an extra dose of confidence that adds more sparkle to her smile, more spring to her step and more enthusiasm to her handshake. ;)

In addition to the outfit combinations, we made a list of items that would help expand on what Carrie already owns: bracelets, a pair of white pants, and so on. Now when I see Carrie, I see some of the outfits we styled, but with her personal additions, making the outfits more unique. That's a win!

To those in a fashion rut, instead of wasting precious moments staring hopelessly at your closet shelves, ask a friend (fashionista or not) for help. She will see things from a new perspective, and help you combine what you have with what you like into a winning, functioning wardrobe. So do not lose heart my readers, your journey to fashion freedom is a fun, friend-filled afternoon away!

Have a fabulous day my reader friends,

Chrissy
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Pinterest Inspiration: Striped Dress & Chambray

Hello! Once again while scrolling through Pinterest I came across an outfit that I could easily replicate. Only this time it was with a dress that I rarely wear. In fact, the last time I styled this dress on the blog was here, in 2013 (Be warned, as you will get an inside look at my early blogging days - scary.)!

But don't you just love, what a little research can do for closet inventory? I have a small list of items that would really add bang to my closet. On this list is a staple among staples, a white oxford style shirt. Can you get any more basic then this??? I've attempted to purchase one on a few of my outings with no luck. Anyway, other than those few items, do I really need to keep adding more if there's plenty of life in the clothes I already own? Just something I've been thinking about.

Well, here is the pic that inspired this outfit! Thank you beautiful gal, whoever you are. ;)

It was far too hot to wear the denim top, so I tied it around my waist. Can I tell you how comfortable I was ALL day? The dress is clingy, which I don't love, but when I add something around the waist I forget about bulges, possible panty lines, etc throughout the day.  I'd say this will go down on my favorite list, to be repeated in the near future! In the fall, I could wear the denim top and add some black ankle boots. Bam! Live on LOFT dress. LIVE ON!!!

My backpack purse is a definite staple and gets a place on the good investment list. In fact, it will be my bag of choice for travel to Texas for my first Premier Designs Rally (should be interesting!).  I purchased it back in the fall at one of Clark's clearance sales. The shoes were $5 at Nordstrom Rack. I mean. Skip on the coffee and buy the shoes, right? ;)

That just leaves my accessories. I chose the silver with wood because of the dark wash of the denim top and I couldn't resist adding the adorable floral ring to the mix. 

Oh! I wanted to share my latest deal I found at GAP. Are these too similar to the above black sandals? They were on sale for $15.00. Thoughts??

   

Quick Outfit Breakdown

Dress: LOFT (latest option)/Denim Top: LOFT (GAP option)/Shoes: Nordstrom Rack (old)/Backpack Purse: Clarks (Current Option)/Necklace, Earrings & Ring: Premier Designs (Online Catalog)

Linking up with Living on Cloud Nine, Nancy's Fashion Style, High Latitude Style, Mom With Style, Elegance and Mommyhood, A Pocketful of Pocketdots, Fashion Should be Fun, Shelbee On The Edge

****Cupcake Adventures!!****

It's been awhile since I've posted some pictures from my adventures in cupcakes, and I didn't want you to think I'm letting my FREE cupcake a day go to waste! 

Our women's ministry gave away 31 free cupcakes and I hung to greet whoever showed up, wearing this very outfit! ;)

I'm holding French toast, which was devoured by my 15 year old. No pics. Only IG stories on that day. 

My middle child had his friend since kindergarten visiting. We HAD to take him!

Momma had to get one for her birthday!! Isn't she pretty? :)

My boys make themselves at home there, which is the vibe you get at Splat anyway, so I don't stress about it.

Yeah. Every once in awhile I eat one too. I have a couple favorites that are hard to resist when they are available. Tres Leches is light and creamy, Banana N Creme is the perfect banana bread with a delicious cream cheese icing, which is not too sweet and my new favorite that I think about when I'm at home is Wild Oats. Someone please bring me one NOW!!

Well that's all for today my reader friends. You make blogging so fun, so comment I way. I love it!!

Chrissy

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