Casual Friday: Beachside Looks

It's Friday, so it's time for another casual Friday post!  Today, I'm featuring a couple of looks from my week in Florida.

Jumpsuit:  Honey's Child Boutique (Sold out on-line; see similar here)

We are finishing up our trip (insert tears here), but I'm enjoying my last day of beach time today before we head back home.  Since we have been spending so much time at the beach and pool, I have kept my outfits pretty casual for low-key dinners, shopping, and other outings.

Wedges:  Sugar

Glasses:  Coach

First up is a striped harem jumpsuit.  This jumpsuit is sooooooo comfy that I wore it twice on the trip, first with flat python sandals and then with wedges.

Sandals:  Daisy Street (Available at ASOS here)

Cuff:  Eloquii
Earrings:  The Limited

For the second look, I paired plaid shorts with a simple tank/vest combo for another comfortable and easy, but still polished, look.

Shorts:  Myrda J (Available here; use code Cassentials2016 at checkout)

Tank:  Gap (old)
Vest:  Who What Wear for Target (Available here)

Clutch:  Boohoo
Cuff:  The Limited

Both outfits kept me nice and cool in the summer heat!!!

To see the shorts in other looks, see here.

Spring Double Feature: Bolder Shoulder

I hope you have been enjoying my series with Irene of Petite Plus, Meow! on some of spring's biggest trends.  You have seen our takes on wearing white, florals, and stripes, and citron chartreuse, but we're not done yet!Today, we finish off our Spring Double Feature by baring a little shoulder and showing off those sexy clavicles with the off-the-shoulder trend that is everywhere this spring.

Top:  Target (Available here)

I decided to take this trend in a super casual direction, pairing an off-the-shoulder tunic with these comfy shorts from the new Marimekko for Target collection. 

Shorts:  Marimekko for Target (Available here)

The shorts feature Marimekko's citrusy Appelsiini print, a lovely graphic summery print. These shorts are available in both straight and plus sizes - for reference, I'm wearing a straight size large.  The top is also from Target.  It's a junior's size top, and runs big.  I'm wearing an XL. 

Wedges:  Sugar

I added wedge sandals to add a little height while allowing me to stay comfortable.  A straw hat and clutch, both oldies but goodies from Target, complete the look.

Clutch:  Target

I'm really digging the relaxed vibe of this outfit and the fact that both pieces are such airy, cool cotton.  They will be perfect for summertime.  The hubby and I have been discussing the possibility of another beach trip with the kids this summer, and these pieces will definitely be in my suitcase!

The top is super sheer, so you will need to pair with a tank or use as a cover-up for a bikini top as I did here.

Hat:  Target

I love my casual look, but I'm also digging the super sexy tropical floral dress that Irene is rocking three different ways.  Head to Petite Plus, Meow! to get all the details on her look and don't forget to follow her on social media - you can find her Facebook page here and Instagram here.

Irene of Petite Plus, Meow!

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Are you a fan of the off-the-shoulder trend?  

Printed Shorts in Redbook!!!

Today I bring you exciting news that I have been anxiously waiting to share! 

In April, I was contacted by Redbook magazine about being featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine.  I was told that I needed an image wearing printed shorts for their August 2013's "Real Style" feature. 

I sent in several images in a few different printed shorts outfits, and this is the one they chose:

Shorts:  The Limited (No longer available; Similar here)
Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)

Page 77, August 2013 issue, courtesy of Redbook Magazine

 The runners-up here and below:

This one and the one below were my favorites!!

Blazer:  The Limited
Clutch:  The Limited

Heels:  Target (Available here)
Bracelets:  Target

Peplum top:  Forenza by The Limited
Blazer:  The Limited (Available here)

Earrings:  Target
Bracelets:  Target, The Limited

I am so over the moon about being contacted by Redbook.  While I would be excited about any national feature, I love that Redbook takes a very affirmative approach to including women of various shapes, sizes, and ethnic identities in their magazine.  It's an honor to be included in a magazine that appreciates the diversity of female beauty.  In my opinion, women's magazines, including Redbook, have a long way to go towards full inclusion, but Redbook stands as a shining example that the tide is changing.  It's so fulfilling to be part of their trailblazing efforts!

It's also ironic that the feature was on shorts - I have just started to break out of my shorts-phobia.  Shorts would not have been my first choice for my first major feature, but in the end, I think it was perfect! So many women that I know hate shorts and refuse to wear them because they don't think they're flattering or they are embarrassed of their thighs.  Not too long ago, I was one of those women! 

If you like the look of shorts but have been held back by self-doubt, it's time to challenge those fears and rock those legs!!!    :-D

For the ivory blazer in other looks, see here, here, and here.
For the peplum top in other looks, see here.
For the navy blazer in other looks, see here, here, here, and here.