formal shorts

I almost never wear shorts. I don't think there's anything wrong with them on other people, but I just feel too much like a little kid when I wear them. I own three pairs: a black pair and a khaki pair that I thrifted just to have something for super hot days, and these. I found them at Rack+Clutch a few summers ago and they've survived many closet purges. They're great for throwing on with a tank top to go to the pool, but I also love them dressed up for a night out, for what mr. mindful closet likes to call my "formal shorts" look.

As I'm looking at this photo, it occurs to me that I could have thrown on a necklace to finish the look a bit more. And in case you're wondering, I live in fear of being without a way to pull my hair up, so I always have a ponytail holder on my wrist. Oh well, not every outfit is going to be Pinterest-perfect. That's life. I'm also wearing a Three Dots tee from Ivy Hill and thrifted wedges (these are similar). 

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wai ming at ivy hill

A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from Emily Brady Koplar about a trunk show for her line Wai Ming at Ivy Hill in Clayton. Emily is a St. Louis native who splits her time between St. Louis and NYC, where her line is produced. I've loved everything I've seen at Saint Louis Fashion Week shows and had a great time chatting with Emily at different events around town, so I made sure to stop by. 

The Spring 2015 line is clean, minimal, sharp, and a little edgy, with a simplified color palette. I tried on a few pieces and loved them all, but ended up with the striped dress in the middle below. I love that it's unique, seasonless, comfortable, can be dressed up or down, and that it's made in the USA. Lots of bang for my buck and totally appropriate for my lifestyle. I've worn it five times already and gotten compliments every time!  

To check out more of Wai Ming and to order online, visit Emily's website, or follow her on Facebook to see all the famous people who've been wearing her lately!