August 15, Ankle Socks

It honestly almost pains me to post this before photo because in my opinion it is SO BAD!! And please note, I wouldn’t actually wear this- but I have seen women that do, and I feel it is my duty to point out that ankle socks with tennis shoes are a major don’t!

It’s not just the ugly socks that are wrong in my before look, the denim shorts are also a problem. They don’t fit well- they are too tight, creating almost a baby romper look! They pinch at the thigh- which is not flattering at all. The after shorts allow a little room- making my legs look thinner. I also like the lighter denim for this casual outfit.

While this is adorable on a 2 year old, it’s not so cute on me! Photo creds: Ruffle Butts!

But the problems don’t even stop there. The oversize, crew neck is also bad. As mentioned, it is too big- you can see how the shoulders drop down my arms, and I had to tuck it in or else you’d wouldn’t have even been able to see the shorts. And to be frank, it’s just a plain, boring shirt. The Michael Stars shirt in the after photo is a better option. It’s still super casual, but also has some style to it with the Henley neckline. My Converse All Stars (with no socks) complete this easy outfit.

July 25, White Shorts

Today I am showing a super ‘summery’ outfit of white denim shorts, a bright yellow top and white sandals.

First of all, look really closely at the 2 photos- do you notice a teeny tiny difference in my shorts? After looking at my before photo, I immediately realized my shorts needed a haircut! The stringy hanging strands look messy- so I quickly cut them off.

I also don’t like the way the yellow t shirt clings to my body. No one wants to see my lumps and bumps! I also think the length looks odd- it practically covers my entire shorts.

So, instead I have opted for this patterned silk shirt from Banana Republic (old). I love the neckline of this top, plus the silk fabric is much more flattering. Tucking it in also makes for a more polished look.

This blue cross body bag is perfect for running errands. I bought this in Paris at a little boutique years ago.

Top- Banana Republic

Shorts- Target

Sandals- Target

July 12, Denim Shorts

It finally feels more like summer here in the PNW, so today I am wearing denim shorts and a white top.

My before outfit is perfectly fine- cut off shorts, a white t shirt and white Birkenstocks, but isn’t the outfit on the right a little cuter?

I swapped out the denim shorts for a more tailored pair and replaced the t shirt with a white cotton shirt with cute blue detail on the collar and flutter sleeves. My white slides are a perfect finish to an easy summer outfit.

T shirt is from TJ Maxx

Shorts and Slides- Target

June 12, Summer’s Here

It’s going to be another hot day here in the PNW, so for my OOTD I have chosen denim shorts and this cute bright orange top.

Looking at the before photos, the denim shorts on the left are not flattering. They are too tight- and my legs look like sausages. I hate the way the fabric clings to my curvy hips, plus this is uncomfortable. The shorts on the right are a better option for me. The loose, flowy fabric fits better- and the fact that they aren’t skin tight actually makes my legs look thinner. By tucking in the top and adding cute snakeskin sandals & an armful of colorful bracelets, I have created a super casual, super summery look.

August 30th, Daisy Dukes (NOT!)

I bought this cute red and white checked shirt at Old Navy at the start of the summer- thinking it would be a fun 4th of July shirt. However,with temperatures in the 100’s (I was in Kansas over the 4th) there was no way I was wearing this… so it has sat in the back of my closet ever since.

Today I decided to bust it out. I layered it over a white tank and then paired it with my dark J Crew cropped pencil jeans, for shoes I opted for these cute sandals from Target. I know- these sandals offer absolutely no support- but I knew I wasn’t going to be on my feet much today- so I decided to go for it!

As for my before picture… please know that I would NEVER actually wear this outfit- I took this picture to make a point.

When wearing a shirt like this, you might be tempted to go all Daisy Duke and knot your shirt at the waist and pair it with denim cutoffs.

Please don’t!

Surely the picture on the right says it all!  This doesn’t look sexy, or hip or young… it looks like a sad, desperate attempt to look young.

If you are over 40, you really shouldn’t be wearing denim cutoff’s* (or actually any denim short in my opinion) any more. Opt for a cute denim skirt instead… or cropped jeans (just make sure they are cropped at the ankle and NOT the mid calf).

Dress classy instead of trashy… there you have it, I sound like my mother again today. I guess that’s a good thing!

By the way, it’s my sister’s b day today and I want to wish her happy day. Your card is going to be late. Sorry.

I decided to try it tucked in as well for a little more polished look (but then I have to suck in my tummy all day. UGH!)

* I suppose if you are going to the beach you could wear your denim cut off’s… but a cute swim suit coverup would be more appropriate.