SUMMER SHORTS

It's short season, and finding the right shorts can be just as hard as swimsuit shopping. Being eight months post-partum my midsection is still a bit thicker than usual, so I really don't want to spend too much money on new shorts that I will only wear for this year (hoping to be back to normal in a couple more months).  

My solution - elastic waist bands and drawstrings. They expand and contract, and I will be able to get more use out of them than your regular button or zip fly. Target has a great selection of summer shorts right now. Here are two pairs that I found that I love:

As a chambray obsessed girl, these chambray shorts with a drawstring (only $24.99) and white trim are so cute. Add a t-shirt or a summer button-down shirt like this gingham one from Banana Republic and you are set for a backyard BBQ or outdoor picnic with the family.

Pom-poms seem to be a new Pinterest obsession of mine. I don't know what it is about these fuzzy little decorations, but I love them. I found these punchy coral shorts with pom-poms at Target ($22.99), and I just had to have them. I paired them with a chambray shirt (can you tell I'm obsessed with too) and my brown wedges and I'm ready for the pool with the kids. You'll also be happy to know that these shorts come in yellow and navy too. Woohoo!

In fact, these shorts even go with my new Target swimsuit. Just put it underneath, and you can look great before and after the pool or beach. 

Now, run to Target and get yours! Photos by Rennai Hoefer.

Culottes

Culottes are coming back-not really in the 18th century nobleman wearing blousy breeches way, but in the silhouetted shorts kind of way. We saw some serious culottes in resort '13 collections from Céline and Acne, but a more accessible way to wear culottes is in a shorter silhouette. These pleated ones are my favorite from Asos, they have a leather appearance but seem lighter and easier for summer. Another way to wear culottes is paired with a crop top, I love the way Topshop styles these brightly colored ones with a printed top:

I like these printed ones, also from Topshop:

Summer Shorts

Shorts are my absolute favorite item of summer clothing, I own far too many pairs of cut offs and am constantly searching for a perfect new pair of Levi's that I have until I wear huge holes in them. Cut offs are obviously a go-to summer staple, but they can be dressed up for night time with a blazer and heels:

Printed shorts are another option, I like these floral printed pastel shorts, they would look great with a loose tank. I also like these abstract printed ones, they seem like a perfect "dress-up" short.

Wish I would've jumped on these Zara beaded beauties when I had the chance:

Leather shorts are still going strong, I've been searching for a good quality, vegan pair for awhile now, but I need to save to get a good pair like these from Free People. I love how they're styled with a utility vest and heels:

Images from: Song of Style, Late Afternoon, Mr. Newton

Patterned Shorts

It may not be warm enough to wear shorts, but at least we can start shopping for them! I'm a shorts kind of girl. My legs are one of the things I love most about my body, so I can't wait to get my hands on different colors AND patterns this year.

We've all see the trend of colored denim, and thus celebrating color on your lower half. We're just now starting to see patterned pants, but we'll definitely be window shopping patterned shorts! You can count on it!

So, what is your ideal look? Stripes? Gingham? Navajo? Polka dots?

Maybe this inspiration will help!

Photos: ShopHellu.com, J.Crewing, Anthropologie, The Mannequin

Summer Lovin'

Summer is in full swing! In Arizona that's not something we really celebrate because it means 100 degree weather is a regular occurrence, BUT it also means new fashion trends and wardrobe additions to my closet. =) There are three main summer trends that I'm implementing in my wardrobe, and I think you guys might love them too...

1. DRESSY SHORTS - I love shorts! They are comfortable, easy to wear and they show off your legs. I especially like to wear them with blazers and cardigans. If your outfit looks this cute with a blazer or cardi, it's worth battling the sweat. You can find great shorts at Urban Outfitters, H&M and Ann Taylor Loft.

2. BOLD COLOR - Last winter I wrote about how much I love my bright red pants. Well, now I want skirts and pants in  every color of the rainbow. Don't you?! You can find this green skirt at Zara or splurge on these yellow pants at Tory Burch.

3. FLIRTY SKIRTS & DRESSES - Light and flirty skirts come back every year, and I never tire of them. They're feminine, cool and comfortable. Anthropologie has the best selection!