Every spring, I start itching for warm, shorts weather and I’m ready for the beach. (Nevermind that I also start itching for sweaters, jeans, and boots in the fall — hey, a girl gets bored!) I’m also what my husband would identify as highly temperature sensitive. 67 degrees, I’m chilly! 78 sheesh, turn on the air conditioning! 72.5, sigh, perfection!
On many occasions I’ve told my husband stories of growing up in Canada, and how I walked 30 minutes to work and home each day when it was -20C or less (aka cold as heck). I don’t think he even believes me anymore.
Anyway…last week, we had an 80+ degree day in sunny southern California. It was, in a word, glorious. It was my first opportunity to wear my new favorite summer outfit and hit the beach. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Top (up to M for length) | Shorts (up one) | Bag (in navy) | Sunglasses
As you can see, this top is both off the shoulder AND a tiny bit cropped. I am 99% certain I wouldn’t have worn this five years ago. Why? For one, I didn’t wear strapless bras. I thought they were uncomfortable and would have me tugging at it all day long. (Also, I’m not comfortable going totally braless. Let’s just say at 32DDD, I really need a little support. I will discuss bras and summer tops in much detail in a later post.)
In addition, I wasn’t comfortable showing my stomach – not even half an inch. One of the perks of aging I guess – I’m more comfortable in my own skin! A quick note – I have a long torso, so tops tend to fit shorter on me than most. So, this top won’t necessarily be as cropped on you, especially if you have a shorter/average torso.
Top (up to M for length) | Shorts (up one) | Bag (in navy) | Sandals (down 1/2 size) | Sunglasses
I honestly expected to return it. But as soon as I put it on, I just felt sexy. And to be fair, it doesn’t show that much skin, especially when my arms are down. Side note, you can wear this top ON the shoulders (see below), and in that case, it will definitely be pretty cropped. But on me, I prefer it off the shoulder.
Top (up to M for length) | Shorts (up one) | Bag (in navy) | Sandals (down 1/2 size)
Everything about this outfit, I love. The bag is by new-to-me designer, Mar Y Sol. I purchased this bag on sale at Off Saks Fifth, but they have so many great styles. I will definitely keep my eye on them, especially for summer styles that are ready for the beach. I will link my favorites below.
Top (up to M for length) | Shorts (up one) | Bag (in navy)
For the past couple years, Levi’s have been re-appearing everywhere. I think the last time I wore Levi’s was age 16. Last year, I tried on a pair of the Wedgie style and they fit really big in the waist (I’m very much a curvy hourglass). I kind of gave up on Levi’s for me, thinking they just didn’t fit my body. But I found these shorts in store at Nordstrom and they actually fit perfectly.
These are called Original 501s and I believe they are more suited to a curvy body, so they are perfect. They also have just the right amount of distressing. They are definitely a little rigid when you first put them on, but they break in wonderfully with a little bit of wear. They did stretch out a little, but I actually like that because I don’t like my denim shorts to be tight in any way.
Top (up to M for length) | Shorts (up one) | Bag (in navy) | Sandals (down 1/2 size) | Sunglasses
The biggest surprise of all are these Sam Edelman Tihana sandals. I think tie sandals can be really tricky to get right. These feel like butter on the feet. The leather tie straps are smooth and stretch to conform. We walked around Encinitas for over two hours and my finicky feet felt great.
I’m actually considering getting these in black because I love them so much. Rachel also bought the nude and is considering buying a second pair just in case something ever happens to the first pair. That’s how good these are, people. I’m telling you, if you buy only one pair of shoes this summer, THESE.
Top (up to M for length) | Shorts (up one) | Bag (in navy) | Sandals (down 1/2 size) | Sunglasses
Sunglasses, oh how I love thee, let me count the ways. I have insanely sensitive eyes. Something about being light blue/green in color, but also contact lens wearers tend to be much more sensitive to bright light (and in my case, even cloudy days).
I’m so sensitive that when I drive, I have to wear polarized sunglasses or I can get ocular migraines, which is scary as heck when you are driving down the highway and suddenly see bright and blinding stars.
I have an oval face and everyone says oval faces can wear all the sunglasses. Well, not technically true in my case, ha! I tend to try on a hundred pairs before I find “the ones”. And (big sigh) they are usually not cheap. But I do take very good care of my sunglasses, keep them for years, and wear them every single day. So I figure it works out to pennies a day.
Plus EVERYONE should be wearing good sunglasses for their eye health (get your eyes checked yearly and wear your sunglasses, friends!)
Anyway, these are my new favorites, and they make me feel like a million bucks. I don’t know what it is about sunglasses, but when I put them on, I feel infinitely cooler than I actually am.
Top (up to M for length) | Shorts (up one) | Bag (in navy) | Sunglasses
Clothing, for me, is such an integral part of my identity. It’s a huge part of how I express myself, but it also gives me a confidence I can’t adequately explain in words. I hope you can see how happy I was actually feeling this day – happy and ready for the beach!
That is exactly what Rachel and I want to help others achieve through this blog. It’s about digging deep and figuring out — what makes YOU feel special, pretty, confident, sexy, and excited to be out and about in the world.
Top (up to M for length) | Shorts (up one) | Bag (in navy) | Sunglasses
And guess what, we all deserve to feel amazing in our skin! Life is too short to wear clothes that don’t make you shine! So break out of your comfort zone, experiment more, and most of all — express your inner self in a way that allows others to see that bright and shining light!
Cheers!
Tammy
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All our favorite California cool pieces ready for the beach!
one | two | three | four here and here (also available in blue) | five | six
seven | eight | nine | ten | eleven | twelve | thirteen | fourteen
2 thoughts on “A California Cool Outfit That’s Ready For The Beach”
Do the sandals stay tied? That is always my fear that you have to keep messing with them!
They do! I hate tie sandals that don’t stay tied or that are too tight or too loose. I didn’t mess with them once. They conform to the feet with the slightest of stretch that is comfortable but not restricting. We both love them enough to say we could happily wear only these all summer!