Okay, here it is. Brutal honesty. Full disclosure of one of my many inadequacies…
THE STORY
…I am an absolutely ridiculously lazy ass in the summer. I mean beyond all reasoning and comprehension. Don’t get me wrong, I keep the house clean, do the yard work, get groceries and cook dinner and whatnot, but that about covers it. That is basically the sum total of my summertime existence. And you know what? I’m calling bullshit on it. On myself. On my apathetic ways. Enough is enough. Time’s a wastin’.
I always find it harder to do blog posts in the summer. Why is that? I have all the time in the world to get great shots, edit the photos and write. But that is all predicated upon actually putting on some freakin’ makeup. And maybe clothing other than my trusty schlubbing around the house shorts, a tank top and Birkenstocks. I always preach here on the blog that not only do your clothes give the world a clue as to who you are, they first and foremost need to make you feel good. Pretty. Happy with yourself. And if you’re happy with yourself you’re going to be more motivated to go out and get things done. Your life is just a better place to be.
And quite honestly, it’s not fair to my husband. I swear, that man thinks I’m smokin’ hot if I’ve been down with the stomach flu and haven’t showered for 3 days…okay, an exaggeration perhaps, but you get the idea. And before any of you feminist types get your panties in a bunch…”You shouldn’t have to be pretty for a man!”…”Your looks shouldn’t matter!”…blah, blah, blah…Let me just say, I don’t have to be pretty for my man. I want to be pretty for my man. He didn’t sign up for some white trash yard gnome that’s sat out in the weather one too many seasons. He has never complained, not once, nor would he. But I have a problem with it. It goes hand in hand with the whole looking good feeling good thing I’m talking about. If I’m happier, he’s happier and there’s not a damn thing wrong with that.
If 5 days out of 7 you’re wearing clothes not suitable for donation with your hair piled in a messy bun (and not the good kind of messy bun) with not a lick of makeup how happy are you going to be with your little corner of the world? I don’t know, maybe some people would be perfectly content with that, but not me. And while this is by no means a scientific conclusion, I can say with almost 99% certainty that my apathetic summertime clothing choices are directly correlated to my apathetic summertime existence. So no more. Let’s consider it a science experiment. And while I realize I’m only 4 days into a 3 month vacation, I have put on presentable clothes and some makeup and actually did not pull my hair up into a pony/bun every day this week. And you know what? I do feel better about myself. Practice what you preach, right?
THE OUTFIT
This is one of the last of my back stock of outfits from work. I wore this on the last official full day of school. Again, the rebellious 12 year old that resides in my brain wanted to wear an off the shoulder top. How to do that appropriately? Put a vest over it of course. I’ve found that a denim vest is often the solution to a plethora of fashion dilemmas. It adds a layer of light warmth. It can add shape and definition to a shapeless dress. It adds a layer of visual interest. And now I’ve learned that it covers your shoulder just enough wear an off the shoulder top when you shouldn’t. And besides, don’t the little navy blue fluttery sleeves look cute peeking out of the vest? I didn’t want to wear a skirt and I have very limited work appropriate shorts, so lightweight joggers scrunched up to make them capris did the trick.
THE TIP
Just a little tweak here and there really changes an outfit. Scrunch up the legs on a pair of joggers or any pants with an elasticized ankle and you have capris. Throw a vest over a sleeveless top and your shoulders are covered. It’s as easy as that. And seriously, if you don’t have a denim vest, get one.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Off the shoulder top: TJ Maxx (Similar); Joggers: Forever 21 (Similar); Vest: Old Navy (Similar); Sandals: JustFab (Similar)
I can be super lazy during the summer too! Love your top and those fun printed pants!
Tara recently posted…White Turquoise and Palm Print
You should get to be lazy in the summer! Loving the off the shoulder with your vest.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
I totally agree with your hubby. You are smoking hot. I’m sooo into off shoulder anything. Wish i had thought of throwing vests over and magically transforming them into work appropriate looks. Ingenious! Today is my last day of school and I am beside myself with joy. I will clean my house inside out and upside down tomorrow and then I’ll switch into my lazy mode. Enjoy your summer Debbie darling!
http://fashionablyidu.blogspot.com/
idu recently posted…Ripped White Jeans and Lace Up Heels
Cute outfit ! I love the cold shoulder top (something I’ve been on the hunt for). I’m usually always dressed nice enough to go to a restaurant, but due to the desert weather .. none of my outfits are blog worthy .. lol. Oh, well .. been doing other fun things instead.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Palm Springs Museum of Art - Baroque to Bling Exhibit
I am also very lazy about makeup. I kind of love that when it gets warmer outside and I can take my photos outdoors. My sunglasses cover up my makeupless mouse eyes.
bisous
Suzanne
Suzanne recently posted…Favourite Karina Dress & Wardrobe Malfunction
I love the layering of the denim vest over top your off the shoulder top! What a great way to make it work appropriate! I so agree with you on getting dressed during the summer too. I feel better and get more done when I actually get ready!
Laura recently posted…Floral Crop Top & Confident Twosday Linkup
I hear you singin’ sista!! I’ll take one day off of the makeup application (and if I have to go out that day-it’s amazing what a dash of red lipstick can hide!!), but otherwise I try to get dressed and ready—just in case!
You’re going to laugh because in one of our cold shoulder shirt posts that will be posting the end of June—I wore my white denim vest over it! We must be related somehow—ha ha!!
But I do believe you deserve a break too—so enjoy!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie filogomo recently posted…Ankle Pants 1 (Casual)
Love the off the shoulder top paired with a vest. A little peekaboo action!
These joggers are amazing! Love the floral print on them!
http://michellespaige.com
michelle recently posted…STITCH FIX REVIEW - PART 1
I Love how you layered the vest on your cold shoulder top and I still love the cold shoulder trend. The Lazy dayz of summer is what they are called and we all fit in the mode. Enjoy your Life!
Neti recently posted…It’s No
Looking cute. You are welcome for the feature this week.
Thank you for linking up to “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me”
Rachel xo
http://garaytreasures.com
Rachel recently posted…Who cares.. be free
Wow how fun are those floral joggers???
Come see how I styled my fave Joe’s Jeans shorts this week at the blog!
Happy Thursday!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Rebecca recently posted…Summer Segue
Deb, loved ” the story”! I feel that way in the summer. Here in Charlotte, it can get pretty darn humid and hot! Hard sometimes to want to dress up in that heat. Many times I will throw my hair back in a ponytail and I am a 10 minute makeup routine kind of girl, i can get it down to a science. I understand about blogging in the summer, and after teaching your whole year, it is also probably about a break! On the outfit note, love the vest over the ots top, and the top is so nice! Love the blue colors on you. The floral joggers look cool and comfy! great look.
Thank you for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Beautiful Debbie…just fab and fun.
Wise words too….Get a denim waistcoat, now!
XXX
Samantha
I always feel like the more time I have, the lazier I become. Your floral joggers are super cute! I never thought to wear my vest over a cold shoulder top. I’ll have to try that!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Jill recently posted…Coastal Chic & TFF Linkup!
I am quite often lazy Debbie. I agree when I make effort even if it is a quick 10 minutes effort I feel loads better about myself. I love both you looks today and this one really stands out too. Love everything about this look > I want <
Thanks for sharing at the Wednesday blog hop
Claire recently posted…Pimms Cake Queen’s Birthday…
Debbie, did you just read my thoughts and then post them? Seriously, you write the things that are in my head! I also don’t have to be put together every day for my husband, but I like to be! I think it shows him that I appreciate him by showing that I take care of the things he loves (i.e. me!) Oh feminists will hate that I just referred to myself as one of my husband’s “things”, but whatever. You get what I’m saying!
And, yes, the little flutter sleeves do look adorable peeking out from under the vest. That was first reaction when I saw your super cute outfit. I just wish I didn’t look like a damn linebacker in a denim vest beause I would add one to my wardrobe…but the husband doesn’t want a linebacker, I don’t think!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Shelbee on the Edge recently posted…Kimono Love
It’s hard to blog in the summer. There are so many things to do! Loving your floral joggers 🙂
As always, adorbs! Nothing wrong with taking it a *little* easy! We all need a break from responsibilities now and then, even the ones we *like.*
I’d love to see your jewelry collection sometime, I’ve seen such great pieces on the blog (and you could skip a day of hair and makeup!!!).
Bettye
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style
nicole recently posted…Hawaiian Tropic Apparel review – vacation starts with the dress
The addition of the jeans jacket is perfect! I love this all blue look with the touch of floral.
Happy Saturday
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud
Thanks so much!
i love this look and the story and I am with you, as much as I may not need to be pretty for him, I want to. It makes me feel good
Linda Cassidy recently posted…Rape and my Story
I’m glad you agree with me Linda. It makes me feel better about myself so it’s a win-win situation. 🙂
Love those pants paired with the pretty top!
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Happiness at Mid Life recently posted…Summer Netural