Happy Thursday, fashionistas & welcome to my fashion haus 07.2020, a round up of my latest OOTDs and SIA interpretations. It has been hotter than blue blazes in far west Texas so this summer I’ve gotten over my inhibition about wearing shorts. Or maybe I’m just hotter than I am self-conscious!! Whatever the case, most of my OOTD have featured shorts. And by coincidence my 2 Style Imitating Art interpretations are dresses! Follow me into my fashion haus 07.2020 for a look.
My blog started acting really funky the first of the week. I was getting a PHP error message and my graphics wouldn’t show up. But tonight I fixed it myself!! Yay ME! So, this post that I had hoped to publish on Monday is going live instead on Thursday.
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My Fashion Haus 07.2020
We are roasting in El Paso. Have had about a week of heat warnings and triple digit temps. Yesterday the high was 110* but today we have had a cold front move in bringing a high of only 99*. Really and truly, there is a difference between the two!!
OOTDs: Shorts
Trying to think back how long I have been wearing shorts again. Hmmm, probably very reluctantly since my first Get Your Pretty On summer capsule wardrobe in 2014.
Before that, I might wear a pair to run, and even as a young mom I didn’t wear them much. Once I turned 50 or so, I wore a few very long walking shorts that I wore like the white ones above. Which were some I bought for the first CYPO summer challenge. I was 56 years old and felt like any shorts I wore need to be ‘longs’.
Summer 2020
Fast forward to summer 2020. I am 62 years old. Wearing shorts more often and some that are shorter than the ‘longs’ I wore 6 years ago. I alternate wearing shorts that are between 5, 7 and 9 inch lengths. I have stripes, paisley, floral prints and solid colors. Twill and denim and a linen blend.
Nine Inch Shorts
Where the white shorts above were 11 inches long, I think, the shorts below are 9 inches. Having a print or pattern seems to make them look less long = shorter. The print breaks up the length of all that fabric. My shorts and tee are from Loft Outlet, several years old.
Seven Inch Shorts
Next up, my 7 inch shorts. This is probably the length I feel most comfortable wearing. Even the solid pair on the right doesn’t look 3 yards long!!
In the pics above, the floral shorts on the left are from Old Navy Outlet this year. The blue shorts are from Loft and so are both tees.
Five Inch Shorts
When Alison at GYPO suggested a 5 inch short on the summer capsule wardrobe shopping list a few years ago, I was pretty sure she wasn’t talking to me!! But the gals in the Get Your Pretty On private Facebook group were encouraging everyone to give the 5″ shorts a try. So I did.
And guess what? I liked them. In fact, they may be the most flattering length of all the shorts I own. See what you think.
Not sure if it is better to see 9″ of fabric + my knee or 5″ of fabric + 4″ of skin on this grandma body. Or maybe something in between = 7″ of shorts + 2″ of skin?
My white denim and red twill shorts are from Loft Outlet. My distressed denim shorts are from Old Navy. Can you tell how much I like wearing a kimono with shorts this season? They are like a security blanket…offering a little extra coverage.
How Do You Feel About Wearing Shorts?
Coincidentally, except I don’t really believe there are any coincidences in this world, Alison at GYPO talked about wearing shorts in a recent video on her blog. Would invite you to listen to what Alison says about self-consciousness and stepping outside your comfort zone when it comes to fashion and style. The whole video is very encouraging but if you are short on time, fast-forward to around minute 3:00 for the heart of the message.
Alison speaks about her feet. I have feet issues, too!! And hips and legs and stomach and behind. But finally, at this late date, I am becoming more accepting of the body I have.
Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire
This week I began reading Jen Hatmaker’s book Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire. Well, not reading…listening to. One of the things she mentions in the first chapters really spoke to me. It was something Hatmaker gleaned from an interview she conducted with Dr. Hillary McBride for a 2019 podcast. Jen also mentioned this same light bulb idea when she herself was interviewed by Gretchen Rubin, here. So Jen’s ah-ha moment became an ah-ha moment for me.
I was interviewing Dr. Hillary McBride for my podcast last year, discussing her incredible research on our relationship with our bodies. Her approach was so revolutionary, it was the top-downloaded episode of 2019. She suggested calling our bodies a “her” or “she” as an integrated, cherished part of who we are, not just an unfortunate container carrying around our brains and feelings. It flattened me in my chair. That interview and her work changed me and became the foundational research I used in a chapter in Fierce called “I Am Strong in My Body” which I have never read one time through without crying.
Guess what I have been doing? Yuppers, referring to my body (in my mind…not aloud!) as a she/her. I am so much gentler, more forgiving when I think of my body that way. Would never ever say the things to someone else that I think about myself. Trying hard to change that mindset.
Now let’s move on to some Style Imitating Art interpretations, shall we?
SIA with Daenel, Salazar, Kim and My Sister
I try to open my fashion haus at least once a month but that doesn’t always happen. A few weeks ago, I invited my sister Valerie to join us for the first Style Imitating Art challenge for July.
Paper and Textile Collage
Early in the month, Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks offered the art below for an edition of Style Imitating Art.
I really like the color palette of this piece, the oval shape (I see an Easter egg), and the textures in what looks like handmade paper. After scrounging around in my closet, I came up with this interpretation.
Old Navy denim jacket, French Grey maxi from last summer’s Stitch Fix, Charming Charlie coral necklace, 2-tone chambray flats from Target, DSW thong sandals.
Valerie’s Interpretation
My sister has been doing the summer capsule wardrobe with me so I invited her to try her hand at an SIA interpretation, too. Here’s what she put together for the art Daenel selected.
The colors in Valerie’s kimono are very similar to the colors in the art. I really like her jewelry, too.
Old Navy white shorts and Amazon kimono. She paired this outfit with her new JCrew tennies, some suede sandals, and in the photo below, some good old flip-flops.
I love my baby sister. We have fun no matter what we do together. And playing dress up was no exception.
The Tlingit Mask
Kim at Fierce Fashion curated this week’s SIA art. She decided to have a little fun with this whole Covid face covering stuff and chose this Tlingit mask.
And again this week, I used a maxi dress for my interpretation.
I bought this maxi dress several years ago but can’t remember where! It is very light with an elasticized waist under the off-the-shoulder ruffle. Paired the dress with rattan earrings and wooden wedges.
One of my summer 2020 bucket list activities is to wear a maxi twice a month. Had forgotten how feminine and pretty I feel in a longer dress. They are actually more comfortable in our hot weather than jeans or pants. Love this one and this one for fall. But I guess before I buy any more, I need to be able to wear them somewhere other than the backyard!
Your Turn
What OOTDs would you share from your fashion haus 07.2020? What are you wearing these days? Are you comfortable wearing maxis? Shorts? What length are your favorite shorts? Would love to hear from you in a comment below.
Off to bed. If we hurry, we might be able to fall asleep to the very rare sound of rain as a summer shower has just begun. Things are so dry, we need it to rain all night long.
Thank you for popping in to say hello! Please be sure to visit Daenel, Salazar and Kim to check out their SIA interpretations.
Hugs and kisses,
Oh my God. I love that maxi tassel dress. To die for. I really think there 5″ shorts hot your at a really flattering place on your legs. I definitely need to get some. That picture of you sitting in the chair outside is stunning!! I also really loved that maxi with the shell necklace. Thank you for the fashion inspo.
I love YOU!! You are so sweet to stop by and support your old mom. I ordered another maxi today. Oops. You need to get some!! And some of the Old Navy shorts, girl.
Beautiful maxi dress and gorgeous profile shot!
Special congratulations for fixing your blog on your own.
I wish you lived nearby — you could come help me!
Wishing you a great weekend ahead!
Thank you, Donna. I am the nonreadingest librarian and just hate trying to read through information to try to fix issues on my blog. But this time it was an easy fix. And didn’t require much reading!!
My goodness woman! You wear maxi dresses like no one else! I have no idea why you have issues with your body. You look amazing! About shorts, I hardly wear them, just don’t fancy them that much.
You are so sweet. My body issues go waaaaaaaaay back to middle school, if not before. I wish I could see myself the way others see me. I don’t trust my reflection in any mirror or store window. Ha!!
I received a new maxi in the mail today. Will get it tried on tomorrow and join you on Friday.
I actually think the two shorter styles of shorts look better too. This is the first summer I can remember being really comfortable wearing shorts myself. I typically make it through the summer wearing capri pants but found that in playing around with short length I like a 6″ short! I never thought that would be the case.
High five sister!! I used to wear capris, too. So glad we have both joined the legion of shorts-wearers.
You look great in shorts of all lengths, you should wear them with pride! There’s no age limit on fashion or beauty. That blue dress is super cute, too, though! And I’m glad your tech issues from earlier this week have resolved themselves. Technology is amazing, but sooo frustrating when it backfires!
I have such a hard time with technology. My husband just shakes his head at me. Phones, laptops, iPads have all fallen prey to my curse.
Thank you so much for the kind words. My new maxi dress arrived today…hurray! Now to try it on and pray it fits.
Oh I absolutely love that maxi with the tassels! It is fabulous!
I only ever wear shorts on holiday, but maybe if we had the temperatures that you do I would rethink that! How do you cope with that heat? Is it humid too? I may moan about the British weather but I know I would not cope with your temperatures!
Thank you, sweet friend. We don’t have humidity here. Which is good most days. So it is a dry heat. But anything over about 104* is truly miserable. Like being inside an oven. This summer has been especially difficult because we have had so many days of triple digits. On and on and on.
BFF! You have the best legs and figure of anyone I know! I love you in a maxi but love it more that you can show off those legs and your figure!! So proud of you! 💕
I think you are wearing rose colored glasses but I love you for it. Thank you for the sweet words. I love you!!
I think most of my shorts are 5 inch length. I sometimes feel embarrassed about showing so much leg!
You know, even though we are showing a lot of leg we would be showing the same amount of leg with longer shorts, they would just be covered in more fabric. Sometimes I think the fabric looks better than skin but other times I am not so sure. And you are looking so fit and trim, you should be in 5″ shorts all the time.
Love your maxi dress!! I love all things maxi – and that cover me up. I have much progress to make in loving my body (she/her/whatever). I must confess. I’m going to listen that video you have above – thanks for sharing. And why to go …. being willing to try new styles, etc. Looking cute!!
Thank you for taking time to listen to Alison’s video on feeling more confident in our skin. It spoke to me. As did the idea of calling our bodies HER rather than it. If you are looking for a great read – nonfiction – check out Fierce, Free, Fire.
that dress is one of the prettiest I have ever seen! and it’s gorgeous on you!
great taste : )
xo eva
http://www.StyleMyThrift.com
You are so sweet!! Thank you, darling friend. Need to add your new blog/old blog with new name to my Bloglovin feed. I am so sorry you worked so hard on your costume business only to have Covid and this difficult year turn everything upside down. Hope you will be able to get back to it as soon as life returns to ‘normal.’
LADY – you look good in ALLLL the shorts. & if you feel comfy in all of them, even better!!! I’ve found I’m a little more picky about some shorts – but really its just about comfort than length. If they cling to my leg, no matter the length, I just am fidgety the rest of the day – if I have some room, give me all teh short shorts 🙂
Thank you, darling friend. I don’t like clingy shorts either. I can wear my skinny jeans okay but no skinny shorts!!
LOVE your maxi dress. I’m mostly wearing skirts these days. I don’t wear shorts anymore and besides I find the skirt cooler than any kind of pants. I surprised myself with how many skirts I had in my closet rarely worn – so it’s like I have a whole new wardrobe. We’ve just had hot weather arrive in Alabama – though not nearly as hot as yours. I was in El Paso in August one time and thought I would die for sure!
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
Thank you so much. I like skirts a lot, too. But have to sit more ladylike when I wear them. I tend to wear my skirts with tights in the fall.
You guys in Alabama have humidity with the heat, though. Ours is that infamous ‘dry heat.’ And then once in awhile it will rain and we can’t
breathe for the humidity on those days!!
I enjoyed your OOTDs. Good for you trying the different short lengths. I should actually measure what my favorite inseam is. I’ve been breaking things up with my knee length skirts and occasionally my linen pants (’cause I’ve been wearing a knee brace). Have a great weekend!
Is your knee brace temporary? Did you have surgery? I know one of my blogger friends is having foot surgery this week. It is fun to try different lengths of dresses and shorts and even pants and skirts, for that matter. I have 2 denim skirts that just do not hit me in the right place. Wish they were a bit shorter. Right above the knee is not my best look.
Leslie, you look great in all the different lengths of shorts! No need for any insecurity, and no need for a kimono. It’s way too hot in TX for any extra layers! I wear longer shorts myself, but am loving wearing casual dresses this summer. I like the dresses around knee length and with pockets if possible. I do have a couple of maxis that I wear, but I find them too hot for my legs in the summer compared to the shorter dresses. Loved seeing you collaborate with your sister for a project! I love doing anything and everything with my sisters, too. Wish I didn’t live so far away from them! Great post!
Aww, thank you. The kimono helps me feel better about being in shorts. But you are right, it is too hot to wear one around here.
I don’t have enough casual dresses. I like the swing style dress very much but I am large chested and they do not flatter my shape.
My sister has bought some really cute tee shirt fabric dresses this summer at Target and Old Navy.
I adore that maxi dress on you – it is fun and festive! I think those long, slender legs of you look terrific in 5 inch shorts. You wear them very well!
Yay you fixing the blog issue, I break out in a cold sweat when something goes wrong and immediately call SiteGround! Scares me to death – ha! So dramatic!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you, my darling friend. I wish I could figure out where I bought that maxi. I think maybe it popped up on my Facebook feed. Dangerous!! As is your blog for me because I want one of everything you wear.
I love both maxi dresses on you! I really liek the print of the last one, I have the same print but in a swing dress – I got it from Shein, maybe that’s where you got your maxi? It’s a really pretty print, it always gets compliments when I wear it! 🙂
I like longer length shorts too but I do still love the short shorts – I wouldn’t worry about age with them, it’s normal here to see everyone in short shorts over summer, it’s just too hot to cover up too much, haha!
Hope that you are having a great weekend 🙂 We had our first birthday party yesterday after the relaxed restrictions and it was so much fun!
So glad you guys were able to enjoy a birthday party now that restrictions have been relaxed in your area.
You know what, I think I did get this dress from Shein. You are a genius. Thank you, doll!!
I swear we are the same when it comes to shorts. Who would have thought I’d be wearing them more now that I’m older. LOL. But you’re right about the cold front..haha. I can TOTALLY relate!!
Love the 5 inch, and that’s my go to lately. I think it had to do with the proportions with our tops too.
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You have such a great figure that 5″ shorts are made for you. I feel a little grand-matronly these days but am putting my shorts on with the best of them.
Hi Leslie
Sorry about the late reply, finally getting to comment! My mom has been with us through Covid so it has been good but busy. I love that you styled different lengths of shorts and you really can wear any length! I agree that it is all in your individual comfort. I wear the shorter 4 inch, and liked your 5 inch, as you see more leg 🙂 The SIA interpretations are all so interesting! I love that dress on you!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Aww, thanks for stopping by! I have been sorely tempted to try a 4″ short from Target but just don’t know. If we could try things on right now, it would sure help. They are denim shorts with the cutest eyelet inset. Guess I could buy them and return them if they don’t work. You have such great legs, like a dancer’s, made for 4″ shorts!!
I used to not wear shorts because I have varicose veins, now I don’t care. I can’t see them so… LOL
I’m such a fan of the dresses. They’re so pretty… I really need to break out my denim jacket when it cools off. I really like the look.
You are so cute. We need to band together and wear our shorts!! I have lots of cellulite in the rear view but the fronts of the legs are okay with the exception of the occasional lipoma lump. But I figure things are not going to get better so I need to get my shorts wearing done now!!
Leslie you did such an amazing job with both of your SIA outfits! That tassel dress is absolutely darling on you! I have to agree with you that I think the 7″ and 5″ shorts are the most flattering on you! I like 4″ and 5″ shorts most, too. It’s so nice when stories make a variety of lengths!
Thank you, darling friend. I am going to stick with the shorter shorts til someone begs me not to!!
It’s interesting that most people love the shorter length shorts after they try them – they look great on you! I love your 9″ patterned shorts too! Love seeing your sister on here and your Style Imitating Art interpretation! I featured your maxi dress look on Thursday Fashion Files this week!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Love, LOVE, L! O! V! E! you SIA’s! I think we should take inspiration from whatever we find lovely! I think shorts are shorts. I’ve got the wobbly wrinkly knees and thighs, but you’re gonna see them. It’s HOT and more leg makes me look taller. I’m short and have short legs,so I need all the leg length I can get…