The Perfect Denim Shorts

heart blouse {sample sale} - shorts {Gap} - sandals {Aldo} - sunnies {Target} - bracelet {NYC flea market}

Shorts and I have had a rather fickle relationship over the years. For the longest time, I just didn't wear them because I hate my knees, they're too tight, Victoria isn't hot enough of stupid girl stuff. In recent years though I've mended my relationship with the short and slowly started to introduce them to my closet again. Since our reconciliation I have been searching for the perfect denim cut-off short. I have bought two, thinking they could be THE ONE but alas they were not. Then, out of nowhere (OK fine, I was at Gap), I saw this pair on the sale rack. I had recently purchased two new pairs of shorts, and while we are on good terms, I didn't want to rush things. But this pair was SO soft and I knew as soon as I held them up that they could be THE ONE. I tried them on and my gut was right. THIS pair of shorts guys! I can't even. It feels like I'm wearing sweat shorts but hopefully doesn't look that way.

Anyways, moral of the story is that I'm a weirdo when it comes to shorts but I LOVE this pair. That is all.

j.

One Jean Jacket, Three Ways

So I've been really crushing on denim jackets lately and had been casually trying them on whenever I saw them in a store. For whatever the reason - too light, too boxy, not comfortable - I wasn't able to find one I liked, until this one. I think denim jackets are the perfect summer accessory, because they can casual up a dressier look and even dress up a casual one. Here are three ways I styled my new denim jacket! The first is what I dubbed "tried and true", meaning that it's the most traditional way of styling of the three ways. I decided to go over top of a black dress, which is cotton jersey so not super fancy, and my peep-toe booties. It's easy, fancy enough to go out in but still laid back just the right amount.

jean jacket {Old Navy} - dress {Old Navy} - shoes {ASOS} - earrings {old, etsy I think} - necklace {gift}

So, obviously I had to wear my jacket as part of the infamous Canadian tuxedo, which literally translates to "wear as much denim as possible". The only thing missing from this outfit is a denim vest...and maybe a denim belt for good measure. In truth though, I could've pushed farther and paired it with blue jeans but I think this is a bit more realistic in terms of how I will actually wear this look. I really love the look of a denim or chambray shirt worn underneath a jean jacket. I also think this would look cute with denim cut-offs or just a pair of great shorts!

jean jacket {Old Navy} - chambray shirt {sample sale} - jeans {Old Navy} - boots {Steven by Steve Madden via Century 21}

The last look I styled with my dark denim jacket was my surprise standout of the three. I really loved the way it looked buttoned up and worn almost as a shirt. The only thing was that the sleeve cuffs were straight up cutting the circulation from my arms. We all know the little saying "fashion is pain" - or something like that - but when the only arm movements I could make successfully made me resemble a zombie at best and a t-rex at worst, I knew this outfit needed a slight adjustment. I will have to try out different ways of rolling the sleeves up that high, because I think being able to bend my elbow is going to win over fashion's sake. But I still loved the way it looked enough to declare it standout of the three different looks!

jean jacket {Old Navy} - skirt {Joe Fresh} - sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21} - scarf {I really can't remember, is that bad?}

I can't wait to keep styling my new denim jacket in different ways. Isn't fashion fun? No, just me? OK.

j.