Needlepoint

Remember when embroidered shorts would bring up a slew of critter cotton shorts from JCrew? Those were the days. I'd like to think we've matured a little bit from those (don't get me wrong though, I still rock mine). But for a casual alfresco dinner, let's try something a little more mature.

Loft, Floral Embroidered Shorts, $24

Can't beat this price. I also like the pin tuck pleats at the waist.

Anthropologie, Pathway Embroidered Shorts, $39

Embroidery from Anthro for under $40. Don't wait on these shorts.

Topshop, Dotty Shorts, $65

Hands down my favorite of this bunch. I love the mix of colors and patterns.

Mango, Embroidered Cotton Shorts, $59

Now these are something special. A lovely landscape of colorful flowers with a matching belt.

Spice up your shorts with something beautiful embroidery. These soft shorts will go great with a simple tee or dress it up with a cutaway back blouse.

Be fabulous today!

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Jorts Season

I took a big step this year. Well, I took a couple (marriage, you know) but I'm referring to something a bit more daunting, I bought denim shorts. Yes. That's right. I now own jorts. I never felt confident/cool/brave enough to buy them let alone wear them. So, I went to my trustworthy Loft and found a modest pair of jorts. Let me tell you, they have transformed my weekend wardrobe.

H&M, Denim shorts, $29

Not too short, not too tight. And under $30.

Nordstrom, STS Blue Frayed Hem Side Slit Denim Shorts, $39

A lighter wash for a more knock around look.

Loft, Cut Off Denim Shorts, $54

These are the pair I bought. Great fit and getting softer with each wash.

Old Navy, Cuffed Boyfriend Denim Shorts, $24

Not into the frayed edges? Try a cuff!

My point is, you can rock a pair of denim shorts. They go with everything summer and everything weekend. They come in a zillion fits and washes. I prefer something a little more bf cut and a darker wash. 

Be fabulous today!

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Summer Saving Shorts

Happy Monday lovebugs,
It's nearing the end of summer...thank goodness. While this means triple digit heat is hopefully behind us, its still hot. Good news though, end of the season sales. I'm loving the tie waist shorts right now because they're playful, effortless, and on major sale. In fact all of these options are under $35!

Loft, Stripe Fluid Tie Waist Short, $34

A deep navy and white stripe will look great with a tank top and throw on a denim jacket in the evening. 

Asos, High Waist Short with Belt, $33

This is how you dress up shorts. Some heels, a great clutch, and confidence.

Missguided, Tie Waist Detail Short, $32

Who isn't sick of cobalt? Right. It's awesome. And check out the paper bag waistline detail.

Bloomingdale's, AQUA Faux Suede Tie Waist Short, $29

Date night, drop jaw look. Also comes in black.

So don't think summer shopping is over just yet! Now is the time to score some major deals on some great staple pieces like a tie waist short for under $35.

Be fabulous today!

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Rounding Up

It's shorts season but sometimes they can feel a bit dull. How do you dress up shorts without spending an arm and a leg? Scallops. This simple detail will elevate your look and make you feel feminine and dressy.

Club Monaco, Amber Chambray Short, $69

The definition of easy. Your go to short that looks effortless and put together.

Lilly Pulitzer, Buttercup Scallop Hem Short, $68

How can you not have fun in these shorts? They scream party.

Shoptiques, Lucy Paris Sea Scallop Short, $46

Crisp and classic. Pair this with a cotton ribbed tank or a  gingham button down.

Nordstrom Rack, Valette Scalloped Faux Suede Short, $34

Let me tell you something. These are no $34 shorts. These merlot beauties are going to carry you through the end of September.

While I tend to stock up on Old Navy chino shorts, sometimes it's helpful to mix in something different. It makes you feel...well, different. And different is good.

Be fabulous today!

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Improve Your Short Game

Yesterday we talked sandal season and today we're talking shorts. It's shorts time. I thought we would start the season with scallops. It's a fun and cheeky way to show off your legs.

Shopbop, English Factory Scallop Shorts, $42

A delicate honeycomb mesh overlay gives these shorts some interesting detail.

Dorothy Perkins, Orange Crepe Scallop Shorts, $35

I love how they're showing these dressed up. They also come in a sunny yellow.

Loft, Riviera Shorts, $44

Simple white that goes with any top in your closet. Patten, solid, try it with these bottoms.

Asos, Shorts with Scallop Hem, $18

This girl looks like a good time. I like her. And I also love her outfit. 

A simpel scallop hem on shorts dresses it up a bit. Steps up the shorts game. You know. I like it with sandals or heels, you can really make this style work for any occasion.

Be fabulous today!

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Short and Sweet

We haven't talked shorts in some time, which is odd because it's prime shorts season. I thought we would go back to some fun basics and look at cotton print shorts. A go to piece in your drawer that is machine washable, graphic, and weekend ready.

Ann Taylor, Rope Print Shorts, $59

Small print, color block and belt loops to add a contrasting white rope belt. 

Nordstrom, Hinge Print Stretch Cotton Shorts, $58

A cute geo print with just the touch of stretch that you are grateful for after a summer BBQ.

White House Black Market, Floral Printed Short, $29

A great price for a really versatile short. You can easily dress this up with a pink silk top or go casual with a simple tee.

J Crew, Hibiscus Floral Short, $69

And speaking of floral, how about this colorful option that is ready for heeled sandals or a linen tunic.

A simple pair of cotton shorts will be a life saver for you this summer. They work with so many things in your closet and they won't break the bank.

Be fabulous today!

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Step Into Some Silk

One of the biggest/scariest trends of the summer (and I'm not even going near the Birkenstocks) is the silk short. It made an entrance last year, but as the heat turns up, I'm seeing more and more of this style on the weekends. If you're feeling brave, I would suggest trying a patterned silk short. The solid can come off pajama-y. Let's take a look at some great prints.

H&M, Silk blend shorts, $49

Let's start with a silk blend. This option allows for some structure with a defined hook and eye closure waist and a longer length.

Laura Manara, Ruby chain-print silk short, $67

I wanted to show this pair in a full outfit. Look how perky and fun this print is with a straw bag and simple tee.

Zappos, Tolani Gia Shorts, $62

These are also a great starter pair for silk shorts because the black and white pattern is a great neutral and downright beautiful.

Madewell, Silk Short in Scatterblock, $79

I like how Madewell describes this piece: think of it as your skirt substitute. This makes it a lot less daunting to wear. 

Try silk shorts this summer as a dressier version of your weekend. Pair it with a simple tee for daytime and a stripy blouse for the evening.

Be fabulous today!

Short Story

Hey there lovebugs,
Usually I am pretty good at coming up with post ideas, but sometimes I get some help from friends, reader requests or family. Today my dad will spotlight because I can't not share his intro with you. It's downright poetic. Without further ado, I give you TCB's dad...

"Just in time for Spring. Don’t these colorful shorts look like Spring flowers? Face it, it’s been a long winter. We need to add some brightness into the world. Ladies, it’s time to shave those legs and make a statement with these casual and essential shorts that can be paired with almost any top, to be worn anywhere, at any time. And don’t forget those sublime belts to add an extra splash of the palette."

And now let's talk bright, spring shorts.

Ruche, Maisie Scalloped Shorts, $42

Oh hey there spring! Scallops anyone? These shorts are adorable. Dress them down with a waist tied button down or dress them up with heeled sandals and a silk blouse.

Vince Camuto, Foiled Silver Shorts, $89

I love the length on these shorts. The are dressy and downright spunky with the allover metallic and a bow.

Mango, Floral lightweight shorts, $49

How about a colorful floral? Switch out the camel belt for something metallic and dress them down with a lightweight sweatshirt.

Anthropologie, Pleated Twill Shorts, $68

A little menswear-inspired but punched up with this sunshine yellow.

We'll be talking shorts a few times this spring and summer but I would like to thank dad for kicking things off. I hope you enjoy these picks and treat yourself to a bright new pair.

Be fabulous today!

Short Story

Lovebugs,
It's August. It's hot. Let's look at some shorts.

J Crew, High waisted double serge short, $49

A great high waisted short is perfect to dress up by tucking in a blouse and adding a skinny belt.

Old Navy, Printed Twill Short, $16

I love a polka dot and I love it even more with a great, saturated green.

Nordstrom, Caslon linen short, $49

A great linen short is essential for summer, this color will pop with so many outfits.

Gap, Ikat canvas shorts, $49

This navy blue is a great neutral to pair with a peasant top of a sheer blouse.

That's it, sorry no groundbreaking fashion lessons today. It's hot. Shorts are cool. 

Be fabulous today!

Busy Bottom

Happy holiday week lovebugs,
I hope you get Wednesday off to celebrate the Fourth of July and maybe even take a couple of days off after! Today we're looking at printed bottoms. They're fun, graphic and easy to pair a sold tee or sheer top with.

Bluefly, JB mint printed Fences short, $62

A well made short that has structure and a great sized print.

Gap, Slim cropped refined print pants, $49

I'd pair this with a hot pink blazer and some nude sandal pumps!

Neiman Marcus, Keke Floral print shorts, $79

I love these watercolor shorts, a beautiful mix of colors and the gathered waist is unexpected.

J Crew, Cafe capri in big apple, $79

These are adorable. The ankle length makes them a bit dressier but you can always pair this with a chambray button down.

Are you sporting some printed bottoms this summer or stocking up on solids? I think these prints are a great way to add some pattern to your wardrobe.

Be fabulous today!

Jungle Fever

Hey lovebugs! Happy humpday. Today we're taking a peek into the wild, I'm talking about animal print bottoms.

J Crew, Wild animal print linen canvas shorts, $65

J Crew knows how to do a great print on something bigger than an accessory. 

Calvin Klein, Skinny Animal Print Ankle Pants, $59

A subtle print, this is perfect for maybe an evening out with parents.

Loft, Animal Print Drapey Shorts, $49

The drape effect on these shorts dresses them up without the bulkiness of pleats.

Calvin Klein, Sequined Zebra Shorts, $34

OK, I usually try not to post the same designer twice in the same post, but I hope you'll forgive me. Sequined, zebra, shorts. Just yes.

So give your stripes, paisley, polka dots and ikats a rest and step into the wild side.

Be fabulous today!