The Secret To Wearing Shorts

It's starting... summer madness!  I'm sorry to say that you may see less of me as the temperature rises.  With the kids almost out of school there will be pool days, summer fun, swim meets, soccer, baseball and softball games.  I promise to do my best not to completely fall off the earth for the next 100 days!

This season I will be living in shorts.  Well, more like a bathing suit, but we're talking shorts today.  Some of you love shorts, some of you hate them, or maybe you're like me and have a love/hate relationship.  With so many styles of shorts, there are a gazillion ways to look spectacular no matter what your body type.  One of my favorite ways to wear shorts is with a long sleeve button-down.  When wearing a loose top, always pair it up with fitting shorts.  It's such a flattering balance, and so perfect for those not so hot days. 

What I hate about shorts:  My cellulite is exposed.  Yes, I'm thin but I also have lovely cottage cheese on my butt and thighs.  It's there, look closely.  It's nasty, but sorry world, I'm not going to hide under a maxi skirt all summer long.  It gets balls hot and humid in Chicagoland, so shorts will happen.  None of us are perfect so feel free to expose your cellulite, stretch marks or spider veins.  We shouldn't have to suffer the summer heat just to cover up our insecurities.  But if you want to take the focus off of your imperfections then follow these tips.

The Secret To Wearing Shorts

• Create a focal point.  Wear your shorts with a pretty printed top, a funky shoe (like my fringy ankle strap Joie heels) or statement jewelry.    

• Make your legs longer and sexier by wearing heels with your shorts.  This includes stilettos, wedges or a chunky heel. 

• Wear longer yet stylish shorts.  Look for distressed, faded, bold stitching or embellishments.

• Follow the old rule:  I'm repeating myself, but this is important... Loose top, fitted bottom.  Fitted top, loose bottom.  Easy peasy!

• If you go short, try a boyfriend style.  It's a relaxed fit and can sometimes look great with both a fitted or loose top. 

Go rock those shorts, ChaChas!  I'll be doing some extra lunges at the gym ;)

xo,

Deb 

What Deb Wore

RAILS HUNTER PLAID BUTTON-DOWN|  PAIGE  JIMMY JIMMY SHORT | JOIE PIPPI LEATHER SANDAL - ALL FROM NORDSTROM 

6 Tips On How To Mix Patterns

Mom always told you to match your clothes and now I'm telling you to mix patterns- what?!!  No, it's not Wacky Wednesday.  Mixing patterns is so vogue, and a sure way to look unique and super stylish.  It can be scary but worth the risk!

It's not so easy to explain how to mix patterns, but with a few tips you can be an expert.  Consider incorporating animal print, camouflage, polka dots, stripes, florals, plaid or gingham together into your look.  Here is some advice so you don't look like a 3 year old who sports the sticker that reads, "I dressed myself today".

ChaCha Tips On Patterns

1. Let one pattern be the accent.  My accent is the floral skirt.  It's the busiest and has the most colors.
2. Use similar colors in both patterns.  I pulled out the black and white from the skirt to use in my striped top.  I have so many colors to choose from in my skirt that I could have used a variety of colors.
3. Ease into this skill by adding patterned accessories like shoes or purses.
4. Start simple by using stripes or polka dots as your neutral.  They can even be used together.
5. Break up the pattern with a solid color in a layering piece such as a cami, jacket or even a scarf.
6. Most importantly, have confidence!  Don't over think it and just have fun.

How will you mix it up?  

xo,
Deb

You're NOT Too Old To Wear A Crop Top

Did you just read that correctly?  A crop top?!?  Oh yes, I'm talking to you beautiful ChaCha!  In your 30's, 40's, 50's or beyond you CAN rock the crop top!  The modern crop top is not your Britney Spear's schoolgirl look.  It is sophisticated and modest.  It is for many body types and definitely takes you out of your comfort zone.  Trust me, you do not have to be a skinny minnie to pull this look off.

I wore this little get-up to surprise my dad during his birthday lunch at Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House.  I love this place and I don't even like fish or frog.  Yes, they really serve frog legs, yikes!  A walk through beautiful Downtown Naperville completed this pleasant birthday afternoon with my dad, mom and husband, John. 

I see London, I see France!  Oops!

ChaCha Tips

• Make sure the crop top isn't too short.  You want to show minimal midriff.
• Loose or boxy:  wear with fitting bottoms like skinny jeans or a pencil skirt.
• Fitting:  wear with looser items like palazzo pants or a flare skirt.
• Do not wear with low-rise pants or skirts.  Save that look for the teenagers!

Why does this work?  If you find the right cut, this top will hit at the smallest part of your abdomen.  That means you will look thinner, if that's what you're looking for :)  It is such a stunning look for full-figured women (when worn with a fitted crop top).   And for you pear shaped ladies, remember to go looser on top with a boat neckline.  The crop top can work for all!

Will YOU take the plunge to crop it??  Shout out how you will wear it!

xo,
Deb

What Deb Wore

LC LAUREN CONRAD LACE CROP TOP - KOHL'S |  DEMOCRACY DISTRESSED SKINNY JEANS (similar) - NORDSTROM RACK |  ROCK & REPUBLIC LACE-UP HEELS - KOHL'S

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you purchase through the link. It doesn't affect your purchase price and allows me to buy more fabulous items to review!

Don't Be A Schmuck To Your Mom On Mother's Day

Me and my Mãe (mom in Portuguese) in Brazil

Do you love your mom?  If the answer is yes, then please give her a gift that rocks!  This is the day to get it right.  This is the day that your gift says, "I appreciate and love you, mom".  So don't be a schmuck and give her something practical such as a vacuum cleaner.  I don't give a rat's ass if she's been complaining to you about how she hates her vacuum because the suction sucks... or I should say doesn't suck.  Plain and simple, it's just a piece of shit vacuum.  And guess what?  Your mom doesn't want a vacuum for Mother's Day.  You're pretty much just telling her that she's an awesome maid...."Here's a new appliance, maid.  Don't forget to get under the couch!"  And don't think you are showing love and concern when you get her a brace because she has recently been diagnosed with tennis elbow.  Again, don't be a schmuck!  No practical gifts!   It can be a little practical but it must make mom feel special and beautiful!  Not a reminder that she is getting old and fragile, got it?

And here's how.  Think about your mom and what she enjoys.  I'm going to give you some suggestions...  think of me as your Oprah as I share my favorite things.  <Insert audio of my Oprah impersonation..."Deeeeb's Faaaaavorite Thiiiiii-angs!!!">  Can you hear that?  Being all into fashion and style, I am going to concentrate on all that crap but I will think (a little) out of the box.

For the new mom...

This is more for the husbands since babies can't buy a gift.  But maybe you have some sort of super baby that has that capability, so please forward this on to your freaky baby.  The new mom is not feeling all that cute and is probably sleep deprived.  A ruched top will make her feel stylish and conceal any tummy rolls caused by the little nugget .  Add a gift card to Starbucks to say, "I know you are up all the time to take care of that precious jerkbag.  Hopefully the coffee will keep you sane."  Oh and wine, don't forget the wine!!

For the veteran mom...

Hopefully she's got this mom thing down and is actually starting to shop for herself and not just the kids.  Time to add some frosting to that cake.  I'm talking about accessories.  My favorite accessory for spring and summer is sunglasses.  I'm sure she already has a pair or two, but you can never have too many pairs of sunglasses.  Make it fashionable.  Check out Sunglass Hut, they even have a "Find Your Fit" guide.  Add a colorful beach bag and towel and you got the cutest theme gift!  

To smell pretty...

If you don't know mom's go-to perfume, then don't get her perfume.  Everyone has different tastes and you can't force her to like a scent that you enjoy.  But if you do know her perfume then get it in lotion form.  Rarely do people buy themselves a lotion in their signature scent, so this will be appreciated.  However, if you want a general lotion that smells fresh and not overbearing, then get Philosophy Amazing Grace.  I love that it doesn't make you smell like a cookie or a French whore.  Add a gift card for a manicure and pedicure to complete this pampering gift. 

Jewelry...

I am obsessed with Alex and Ani charm bangles!  This is probably the safest piece of jewelry you could give to mom or anyone else.  There is a variety of charms.  It looks great alone or stacked.  How about giving a gift to your Godmother?   Yes, there's a charm for that!

An easy way to add some style...

A denim jacket.  Blue, faded or white.  If mom doesn't have one, then she needs one.  Looks good on any body shape and any age.  Everyone should have a chic, denim jacket to wear with a simple top or dress.  Add a colorful scarf to complete the look.

You never go wrong with a handbag...

If mom only has one purse or a dozen, she will love one of these lovelies.  Get into my closet floral clutch or bucket bag!!  Stick a natural colored lip gloss in the bag for a little surprise.

Need more ideas?  Get my help and let me get to know your mom!  Or you could always get her flowers.  Just make sure it's something that will last for more than a week ;)

xo,

Deb