I’ve needed a new pair of denim shorts all summer, so I decided it was finally time to bite the bullet and get a pair. But let me just tell you, it wasn’t that simple. I tried on five different pairs in order to find the best fit and I wanted to stay under $100.

I love the Agolde Parker shorts but they’re $$$. I probably wouldn’t mind making the investment if I knew they’d fit for a long time. But my body is still shifting since having Wilder. My hips seem to slowly be shrinking… and who knows how much longer I’ll be this size. Not really worth spending money on a pair of shorts that will only fit me for one season. Plus we are on vacation this week and I knew I’d want a pair of cutoffs to wear.

Breaking down everything I tried on…

Levis – this is the pair I ended up getting. Great high-waisted fit and loved the lighter wash. Also liked that they weren’t distressed. I sized up to a 26 in them and they’re still a little snug in the thighs.

Madewell – another pair I loved and would have purchased if they had the size and wash I wanted. Again great high-waisted fit with no distressing. Comes in several washes. My normal size 25 fit in these.

Treasure & Bond – these aren’t stiff denim, they’re stretchy which is very comfortable. However I wasn’t loving the wash/distressing on this pair. And they ran big, a 25 was loose on me.

Free People – really loved the fit and wash on this pair but wasn’t crazy about the distressing. Since it was on the hem it made the shorts feel a lot shorter in the front.

Topshop – I actually own this pair from last summer. They fit really well and are comfortable… something that’s hard to come by in high-waisted denim shorts.

Hope you’re having a good week – thank you for reading and following!

Hope you’ve had a great weekend! Coming to you on a Sunday with another casual fall outfit, and a look I’ve been repeating quite a bit the past few weeks. But that’s probably very obvious. A hat, tee, some fun jewelry, cutoff shorts and sneakers are all pieces I’ve had on repeat and I don’t see that stopping any time soon.

similar hat, sunglasses, top c/o, necklace c/o, white bracelet c/o, gray bracelet c/o, shorts, similar shoes

on Crosby: similar bow, outfit, shoes c/o

We’ve been pretty lucky with weather… it can get HOT this time of year, but so far it’s been pretty mild. There have even been a few days when it’s in the low 70’s so I swap my shorts for a pair of high-waisted jeans. Really getting creative over here. 🙂

I’ve had this hat for years and it’s my favorite. It’s so hard to find hats that fit and aren’t too floppy. I’ve purchased and returned a lot that end up being floppier than I thought. I love a good structured brim so I’ve searched high and low for some similar options… mostly because I wear this one too much. I’ll probably “accidentally” add at least one to my cart.

• This one comes in three colors, is only $34 and has a great brim.
• Hat Attack is one of my favorite hat designers and I love this one.
• Another one I’m loving for fall is this one. How fun is the feather?
• This one is a really pretty shade of grade and the brim looks like it will stay put.
• I love the dark brown and black options on this one and it’s under $50.
• Obsessed with this one with the wider brim, also under $50.
• I love the mustard bands on this one from Hat Attack.

similar hat, sunglasses, top c/o, necklace c/o, white bracelet c/o, gray bracelet c/o, shorts, similar shoes

on Crosby: similar bow, outfit, shoes c/o

Thanks so much for reading – enjoy the rest of your weekend!

sunglasses, purse, romper c/o, similar sandals

My last look from Napa Valley. This is the romper I mentioned I wore twice since I packed so lightly for the trip. Luckily, I always bring my travel steamer and that made it possible to re-wear this fun Adelyn Rae romper.

I also only packed one pair of sunglasses for the whole weekend, which is something I pretty much never do. I like having options… what can I say. This pair is just so versatile that they worked for wine tasting in the day, the wedding welcome party, wedding ceremony and even the day after pool party.

It’s been so hot at home. Too hot! I never thought I’d say this but I think I’m ready for fall. Summer has always been my favorite season, but this year it’s been basically unbearable. We live in an area where most homes don’t have AC and you usually don’t need it much, but this year it’s been ridiculous. It’s supposed to get even hotter this week so Crosby and I will probably head to the beach to fight it.

I’ve been living in my favorite cutoffs and light weight tees and tanks. I’ve worn this pair of shorts so much I thought it was time for a new pair… I first ordered these but ended up returning them because they weren’t as high-waisted and were a little big one me. Next I ordered this pair but they were still too big so they’ll be going back too. I guess I just need to get another pair of these since I they fit and I love them so much.

Hope you enjoyed my ramblings/stream of consciousness.. ha!

sunglasses, purse, romper c/o, similar sandals

Hope you have a great week and stay cool if it’s sweltering where you live.

I’m really obsessed with bougainvillea right now. Like, I want to take a photo of it everywhere I see it. We have this big white fence on our side yard that you can see from our dining room and kitchen and I’ve wanted to grow bougainvillea on it for a while now. About a month ago Crosby and I went to Home Depot to buy some small vines to put in pots in hopes that one day they’d take over the fence.

Stop. I know what you’re thinking… another gingham off the shoulder top?! Let me explain, this one takes the cake for all gingham tops this summer. It’s light weight (i.e. wearable in hot weather), comfortable, on-trend AND it stays in place. Plus it has this cute ruffle that not only goes over the cheast but also the sleeves.

Summer has always been my favorite season, there are just so many fun things to celebrate! I also love how my personal style is a bit more low maintenance when it’s hot. I kind of give my hair and skin a breather by spending less time heat styling and putting on much makeup and embrace a more natural look. The same holds true style-wise too and I wanted to share my go-to summer wardrobe staples. Each of these pieces can be mixed and matched and styled in so many different ways. This would also be a great packing outline if you’re heading out of town in the summer months!