OOTD: Safari Shorts

Top: Maurices clearance $6

Necklaces: Gifted or DIYed
Shorts: Target via secondhand
Shoes: Target clearance, $13

I tried to style these khaki shorts in a way that didn't make me look like a safari guide. I think I succeeded. I really like the way this light sweater, almost perfectly, matches my eyes. And it's very comfortable. I used to do this thing where I'd wear a bunch of necklaces all at once, but I haven't done it in a while until now. I think it's a cool, kind of hippy, look for the summer. Just as long as the necklaces aren't too heavy. You don't want to be breaking your neck, girl. Hope you've enjoyed this post! Leave a comment below letting me know what you think. Have a great day! -Zoe

Design: Heart Shaped Bodice

I've wanted to learn how to draft a heart shaped bodice for a long time, and I finally decided to give it a try. It took some tweaking, but I'm very satisfied with how my pattern turned out. Enjoy these photos of the designs I've made so far, using this technique. (Modeled by my gorgeous sister)   

  

(Above) The inner layer, of the dress.

The Struggles of Keeping it Classy in the Summer (Sometimes Modest is Literally Hottest)

As you well know we are heading into the summer months, which these days seems to turn the world into a land of crop tops, short shorts, spaghetti straps, and skimpy swim suits. Now, I get why some ladies choose to follow these trends. I remember being at a very hot music festival one summer, in my catholic camp T-shirt and jeans, being quite jealous of the girls wearing droopy tank tops and short shorts.  I mean, no one wants to be in a turtle neck and ankle length skirt in 90 degree weather, but can't we find a happy medium? I think YES!

So, here are some tips to help with your summer shopping, and to keep you looking classy without melting away.

Maxi Skirts  

If you haven't already jumped on board the maxi bandwagon, I suggest you do so. Or at least try. They're everywhere! You can find lots of long skirts in all different styles in tons of stores theses days. I love how elegant it feels to wear a full length skirt. And they keep you cool and classy.

       

Loose Opaque Tops

When it comes to summer blouses, there are lots of sheer light colored ones out this time of year. These are fine, but remember you're going to want to wear a cami underneath. That's a whole other layer. So finding more opaque, brighter colored, tops definitely help with cutting down on those necessary layers, thus keeping you from melting. Keep in mind how tight your tops are. Sweat happens, and the last thing you want is some moist shirt sticking to you like a second skin. Also, with loose tops, pay attention to how low they're cut. Try the bend over test when trying things on. You don't want to take a nice loose-ish, non-see-through top home, just to find it needs an under shirt.

                                                                              

DIY Shorts

There are a great number of crazy shorts and DIYs on personalizing shorts out on the web. (Just log onto Pinterest!) You've got american flag shorts, studded, tie dye, bleach ombre, painted, floral, lace trimmed ect. Usually in these tutorials you see girls getting secondhand vintage jeans and cutting them off pretty short. But no one says you have to. You can cut them off at an appropriate length for you (to where the tips of your fingers fall is a good guideline) then fray or roll the hem and personalize them how ever you want!

       

I hope these tips helped you somewhat. I know there's always going to be the temptation to follow the not-so-appropriate summer trends and look like the "cool girls" in the magazines. This is especially a struggle when you look darn good in them. NEWS FLASH: Women are the crown of creation! We are created beautiful even with all our flaws. So of course you look super hot in that tiny sundress (you look great in anything) . But with great beauty, comes great power, and with great power comes great responsibility. (Yes, that's from Spiderman.) Remember what you were created for and why you wanted to dress with dignity in the first place. Stick with it this summer and know that I'm on the struggle bus right there with you, girl. -Zoe

          

OOTD: Monkey Print

Sweater: Secondhand
Tank: Thrifted, $1.50
Skirt: Thrifted, $0.75
Earrings: Gift
Belt: Secondhand
Sandals: Walmart, $10
Bracelets: DIYed

I love that midi skirts aren't going anywhere this year. I think they look really cool and they are so comfortable. I found the one I'm wearing at a thrift store on sale for $0.75! If you look closely you can tell that there are monkeys on it! I don't really wear animal print, but animals on a print? YES! I love finding such cool and unique pieces at the thrift store. I know people disagree with this, but I think it looks really rustic and awesome to mix neutral colors. Black, white, and brown all together might not be your taste, but I like it. I hope you have enjoyed this post. Thanks for stopping by my blog! -Zoe

OOTD: Denim on Denim

Bracelets: DIYed
T-shirt: Walmart clearance, $3
Cardigan: Second-hand
Jeans: Walmart, $13
Belt: Second-hand
Jacket: Goodwill, $4
Boots: Justfab.com, clearance $20

So, I'm 2 for 2 on the Star Trek outfits, lately. I just love my nerd style outfits!