Jennifer W. on Lookbook.nu

Who needs logic when you can wear pajamas on top, and mini-skirt on bottom? It’s the perfect, illogical juxtaposition of summer: lazy & saucy.

More Topshop…

There is much debate among the, well, entire world about the best length for shorts. Which shouldn’t surprise anyone as it’s something we like to call a “personal preference,” but alas, some seem to be unable to grasp the concept.

But I’m oh-so curious! What is your preferred length for shorts? Does it depend on the situation, event, fabric, etc.?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Perfect Khaki Shorts in Plum It, $19.94; Three Dots Lightweight Shorts, $24.99; Old Navy Welt-Pocket Bermudas, $22.50.

I’m a control freak, and am naturally bent on a sustainable, self-reliant lifestyle – not to mention unbelievably cheap! – so DIY projects are my bread & butter, essentially.

…Or so you’d think. I’m not a shabby chic girl… I don’t think homemade yarn potholders are cute and I don’t have bangs, okay? At least 80% of all DIY projects are kitschy, cutesy, the-obvious-homemadeness-is-part-of-the-charm, charming things. They have their place, sure, but unfortunately that place is not my house. It’s taken me a long time to develop the patience and mind for surfing DIY projects. Usually the system goes like this:

1. Find something that says “DIY!” and hear whatever the opposite of cash register sounds in my head.
2. Click over to said DIY to see a kind of shabby, cute object with that rough-around-the-edges charm.
3. Think about my house. Think about what I want my house to look like. Look at object. Shake head and make strange face.
4. Have a sad and close the browser. Give up hope forever.

Sad story.

…But with age comes wisdom, and being that my birthday was last Friday, I am more wise than I was when I last jumped the ol’ DIY train, and it’s time for another shot. I have been honing my patience & perseverance in order to take on a great responsibility. I want to be able to share my awesome finds with you (NATCH), so please allow me to post all of my favorite DIYs. Thanks.

But moreover, is anyone else feeling me on this? Or am I the only party pooper who doesn’t like the Smalltown Girl Frozen In Time look on everything?

Also: Please post your favorite DIYs! I want to see the ones that really blew you[r socks off]!

This happens every year, and I never learn: put your shorts somewhere you’ll remember them.  It can’t be that hard, and yet somehow, every year…

I’m hopping on a plane directed toward sunnier climates this morning, so my shorts adventure will have to take place inside a physical store, and not online.  I like to get the “too many salespeople and why isn’t everything laid out the way it is on the internet” experience over with fairly quickly, so before I hit the big box stores closest to me, I’m checking each store’s online offerings first, then call the store to see what they have in stock.  Most big box stores (today’s choices being Gap and Old Navy) will hold items for you if you plan on trying them on the same day.  It makes the whole process much faster and, since you won’t be as tempted by things you don’t need, cheaper.

(From left to right: Old Navy Linen Blend Tie-Belt shorts: $22.50; Gap Ikat canvas shorts: $49.95; Old Navy 4.5-inch Shorts: $19.94;  Gap Cuffed Shorts: $16.99; Smocked gauze shorts: $10)

So, we got into Pinterest like way after everyone knew how cool it was. Now that we’re there, we’re trying to get ultra excited about all of the cool stuff, but everyone’s so passe about it that we only have one outlet to wax on and on about how cool we think Pinterest is and that’s you guys. So, sorry in adv… wait, it’s too late. Damn.

These are the boards we have so far:

• Broke & Beautiful Fashion (Most boring name – maybe a prize need to go to whoever comes up with the best name!)
• The Cheap Life (Inspired by living inexpensively – it’s a beautiful thing!)
• Dress Obsessed
• Cheap Home Decor Ideas
• Shoe-Spiration
• B&Beauty
• Entertaining On Pocket Change
• Jewelry That Won’t Break The Bank
• Inspired by Cheapskates (We love watching other Broke & Beautiful people get creative & life life out loud!)
• Do It Yourself, Already!

Are any of you on the Pinterest train? I’d love to hook up and ~trade pinz~! (No, that’s not “a thing” but we could totally make it “a thing” and then it could be “our thing” – awww…)

Follow us on Pinterest – we’re “BrokeBeautiful” – we’ll follow ya back!