Shop Your Closet: The Plaid Shorts

With spring here and Memorial Day being the unofficial kick-off for summer festivities, it's time to start thinking more about warm weather style.  To that end, I'm starting a new regular feature on the blog called Shop Your Closet! 

As I have been trying (somewhat unsuccessfully) to reduce my clothing expenditures and stick to a budget, I have been playing in my closet a bit more, looking to wear pieces that I already have in a greater variety of ways to increase their use value.  So, periodically, I will be featuring an item from my closet worn at least three different ways to help give you all ideas on how to style pieces in your closet.  In addition, this feature will help me slow down with new purchases - does the article of clothing I'm considering meet a wardrobe need? Is it functional for my life?  Do I already have what I need to make at least three outfits with this new piece? 

Shorts:  Myrda J Designer Apparel (Available here)

I start the new Shop Your Closet feature today with shorts!

Enjoying shorts is somewhat new to me. I didn't have much problem with them as a kid, but by college, I was not a huge fan.  It seemed like every pair I ever tried would ride up between the legs and as my body confidence waned, I didn't feel comfortable showing off my thick thighs.

In the last few years, things have really started to change for me regarding shorts.  Don't get me wrong...I still prefer a cute skirt or culottes over shorts, but I have a newfound love of shorts.  Saint Louis has hot and humid summers.  They can be quite miserable - a pair of cool cotton shorts like this flirty pair from Myrda J Designer Apparel is a great solution.  Plus, I think printed shorts are less overwhelming than printed pants on my petite frame.

Blazer:  Eloquii (Available here)

I can easily pair these shorts with a blazer as I did here for a pulled-together but not too serious look for evening. 

Bodysuit:  BoohooUSA (Available here)

This is my favorite of the three looks featured today!  It's a little sexy, a little sophisticated, and it makes me at 4'9" look like I have legs for d...well, legs for a day at least.

Shoes:  Candie's (Available in other colors here)

Clutch:  Ann Taylor
Bracelets:  LOFT and gift

Tee:  Torrid

For an easy, breezy summer look for wrangling kids, running weekend errands, etc., I could pair the shorts with a tee and sandals for a more casual feel.

Wedges:  Sugar

Bracelet:  The Limited

Bikini top:  GabiFresh for SwimsuitsForAll

Lastly, I took a little summer inspiration from Chastity of Garner Style and paired my plaid shorts with a bikini top, perfect for laying out in the backyard with a good book or hanging poolside with the kids.

Sunglasses:  Tory Burch

Do you like wearing shorts? Have you tried Myrda J - this indie designer carries petite plus sizing to fit us shorties so well!!! :-D

How would you style this pair?

Want to try a pair for yourself?  Myrda is graciously offering all Style Cassentials readers a coupon worth 20% off your entire cart!  Head to MyrdaJ.com now through June 15, 2016 and use CASSENTIALS2016 at checkout to save!

Sunglasses:  Calvin Klein

From Look #1
See the bodysuit in another look here.
See the blazer in other looks here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

From Look #2
See the tee in other looks here, here, and here.

From Look #3
See the bikini top in another look here.

The Summer Maxi

I love today's look.  I recently nabbed this dress on-line from Lane Bryant while ordering a few bras.

Dress:  Lane Bryant (Sold out on-line)

After literally a year and a half of trying on (and trying out) every bra out there, I finally found a bra that works well for me - Lane Bryant's back smoothing bra.  Seriously that thing is magic, and I haven't had a bra so comfortable in probably a decade!

But wait, I'm here to talk about the dress...

Sandals:  Target (Kids' Department)

Glasses:  Valentino

Necklace:  Shoxie.com

I have already professed my love for the maxi dress, and the bold color palette of this one is perfect for summer! 

It's one of those great maxi dresses that can dress up or down well.  I wore it to dinner and a showing of "The Avengers:  Age of Ultron" with the family this past week, but I would also wear it to the beach, out shopping, for a casual wedding, and a ton of other places.

Watch:  c/o JORD Wood Watches (Available here)
Bracelets:  LOFT and New York & Company

Earrings:  Torrid (I seemed to have lost one during the shoot - it was sitting on my shoulder :-))

I'm not usually much of a fan of Lane Bryant's clothes, but this piece was a real winner!!

Purse:  Target

Do you shop at Lane Bryant?  Are you a fan of their clothes?  Their bras?  Would you wear this dress?

Laid-Back Sexy (Free the Tatas!!)

Recently, the man and I had a date night, and I wanted to feel sexy.


Dress:  Peter Som for Kohl's (Available here)

Sandals:  Target Kids

While my fiance is actually not that big of a fan of maxi dresses (he does like this one), I love them.  I think when they are low-cut and have a slit up the front like this one, they are very sexy. ;-D

I know that many larger-breasted women refuse to go sans bra, and I get it.  Wearing a bra can sometimes be more comfortable, and obviously, many situations require proper undergarments (like work, especially!).  I'm a 36DDD, so I get there may be a limitation to what I'm saying here, but don't you ever just want to set the girls free? LOL  

Cuff:  Express

Bracelets:  New York & Company (Available here) and The Limited

Maxi dresses scream summer, freedom, and easy glamour to me.  Wearing a bra with this dress would mean requiring a tank or another layer to cover the bra.  While that's a great option for wearing this dress during the day or out with the kids, on a date night, I say grin and bare it!  

Purse:  The Limited

A few notes on tailoring and fit:  The dress was too long when I purchased it, so I had it hemmed.  Because it is cut for a taller woman, the proportions are also off somewhat.  I plan on having the front slit raised to mid-thigh to be more reflective of intended fit.  Also, this dress fits on the larger size.  I went down a size and could have easily gone down one size more on the bottom half.

I love that even with the low neckline and somewhat high slit, the dress still feels classy and not too over-the-top.

What do you like to wear on a sexy date night?  Do you ever go braless?

Black for Spring: Ready for the Beach

Hope you all have had a great weekend!

Dress:  Babooshka Boutique (Available here)

Tonight I finish my series on how to incorporate black into your spring and summer wardrobes with a maxi dress that also doubles perfectly as a swimsuit cover.

It was less than 40 degrees today while I was taking these pics, so it is nowhere near swimsuit season in my part of the world.  But, for those of you who live in warmer climates or who are planning a spring vacay, this maxi dress is a great piece.

Swimsuit:  Torrid (Similar here) 
Sandals:  Target (Similar here and here)

Hat:  Target (Similar here and here)

This dress looks great with shorts or leggings underneath for easy lounge or street wear, but I love how it looks as a cover-up! 

It might be too cold here for a swim, but when warm weather finally hits, this girl will be READY!!!  ;-D

Necklace:  Ixora Boutique (No longer available on-line; see here) 
Sunglasses:  Prescription

Would you wear an oversized maxi for the beach or pool?

For the swimsuit in another post, see here.

Seersucker for Summer

Looking office-appropriate in the summer is often a challenge for me.  

Blazer:  LOFT Petites (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Available here)

Summer makes me long for maxi dresses, tees, and flirty skirts and dresses - clothes that are perfect for casual events and evening wear but not so great for work.

Seersucker is one of those great summer fabrics that helps bridge the gap between casual and work.  Paired with black skinny pants and a bow-front blouse, the seersucker blazer has enough polish for work.

Blouse:  Old Navy Petites (old)
Clutch:  Target (old)

Sandals:  Payless

The cotton fabric is breathable and cool, while the jacket still takes away air-conditioning chill.

Jade ring:  Vintage (Similar here)
Necklace:  Target

How do you summerize your work wardrobe?


For this blazer in another look, see here.
To see this blouse styled differently, see here, here, and here.

Maxi-mize your weekend

During summer weekends, I live in maxi dresses.  They're breezy, easy, and fun.  Easy to pair with flats, maxi dresses are chic and comfortable. 

To me, maxis are perfect for running errands, brunch, shopping, or just hanging out!

Do you have a favorite summer weekend look?

Dress:  Target (Available:  http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-womens-kimono-sleeve-maxi-dress-assorted-colors/-/A-13847808)

Cuff:  The Limited (Similar:  http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=217671002&tid=plpn000611&kwid=1&ap=7&mkwid=U4j00a&adid=Cebqhpg+Nqf)

Necklace:  New York & Company (Similar:  http://www.express.com/layered-metal-plate-collar-necklace-45862-115/control/page/33/show/3/index.pro)