Its early July and I am laying in my recliner in the corner of the living room wishing it wasn’t so damn hot outside. Its beautifully warm but deadly outside in southern texas, I would only be able to handle 20 minutes of sunshine on my face before my lips dry and my eyes water and I have to run begrudgingly back inside for cold ac. During these long Saturday afternoons, I daydream I am on the port aransas beach picking seashells. Sure, I could definitely go to the pool, but it can’t replace the feeling of sand in your feet, the smell of salty water, walking on a pier feeling wind on your face, the childlike joy you get when you eat snow-cones with your friends and build sandcastles a little too close to the shore.

Well, wasn’t that picturesque? But unfortunately this is a fashion blog and so I have to get to the point and offer you my best suggestions for how to recreate these innocent and nostalgic summer child vibes.

One way to evoke this love for perfect coastal weather in the summer has been to start with the accesories that are classic to being a tourist on vacation. Um yes, the 90s surf girls called and they said its totally cool if you wanna dress basic. Its time to break out the custom t-shirts from the surf shops, the anklets, shark tooth necklaces, puka shells, pura vida bracelets, shall I go on? Because I could… we are here to get carried away. 😉

As for the fashion, When I imagine what I would wear when I cannot be in these places, I reach for pearl earrings, tank tops, long flowy skirts, and sandals. Sounds too simple right? So how do we make these things feel modern and matured?

Below you will find my suggestions for taking these ideas and wearing them in an alternative and fresh way:

Pearl earrings. one word INVEST. Please do your research to get REAL pearls. Real pearls are irregular

and imperfect but still shine with quality. (If you really want to learn, look up the differences between fresh and salt water pearls. Quite fascinating really.) Pearl will last you, they are timeless and extremely versatile. I also want to add you CAN wear pearls and still be edgy. Take your mind away from perfectly round white pearls for a moment…close your eyes and visualize black pearls. is it pleasing your inner victorian at the beach? I hope so. 😉

Tank tops.

Oh boy do I have thoughts on these. I actually cannot stand a typical tank top. As someone with a short torso, these shirts always rode up and looked boxy on me. If you feel the same way, might I suggest you try high neck tanks. The cut for the shoulders is closer to the midline of the body, and the shoulders get the focus rather than the chest. If you are wanting something to show more skin, choose an option with a cutout built in, it will keep the look feeling flirty and intentional. Wear this to your next beachside bonfire, I dare you.

Long flowy skirts.

Finding this piece can be challenging. How do I wear something voluminous that doesn’t feel heavy? Which skirts will have the ‘twirl’ factor? You will want to search for tiered skirts. Skirts with stitching that runs in levels will allow the skirt to pick up at different levels. Also aim for lighter colors to get that worn sun-bleached look. Pretty soon you will be ready to take those skirt in motion pictures you fantasized about. (Its not just me right?) Moving right along…

Sandals.

I am probably most excited about this section as someone with an insecurity about their feet. We have been letting our toes out since the dawn of time and I am honestly not a fan. Besides, flip flops can feel a bit unsafe (If you have ever broken a shoe from wet soles, you know exactly what I mean.) I have since learned about this thing called fisherman sandals. This shoe is usually leather bound, and the cage design is structured to wrap around the toes while being surprisingly sophisticated. For sure a win for walking back in the grass after leaving the beach, sand not included.

Alright, well I hope this was enough suggestions to accomplish the goal of dressing for your inner summer child. Please do not forget to follow me on my other social pages.

Thank you for being here. Each post I urge you to set an intention to try something new with your personal style. It may just open your world to seeing things with a new set of eyes.

Closing thoughts; Never be afraid of sharing what you love. This is a safe space. Let yourself get carried away.

Until inspiration strikes again,

sincerely,

Keri McCall