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Friday, July 8, 2011

All Cracked Up.

It's summer.  It's hot.  And my wardrobe must function accordingly.

I loooooove sundresses (and, really, all dresses for that matter), and long for the months when I can wear a dress without leggings.   They're so fun and feminine and unrestricting.  If Becks wasn't {still} sleeping in our bedroom right now, I'd take a picture of my closet and you'd see dress upon dress upon dress.  You'd also see that I am a lousy housekeeper and an even worse launderer.

Also, there's another reason I love dresses during the summer.  I HATE SHORTS.

I hate them. So much so that I haven't purchased an actual pair of "real" shorts (i.e. not Sofee cheerleading shorts) in years.  I've tried to like them, I really have.  I try them on in the stores and then immediately think These are so dang uncomfortable!  and peel them right off.  When I was little, I once described a wedgie to my mom as being "all cracked up." And, that right there pretty much accurately describes the main reason I avoid shorts. They consistently leave me feeling all cracked up

Further, and I never imagined I'd say this, but all the shorts out right now (mainly the ones at Target) are *so* stinkin' short!  {This coming from the girl who couldn't get short-enough-shorts in highschool...and probably college.  Ahem.}   It doesn't help that I'm borderline behemoth (5'10"ish) either, so shorts are even shorter on me. For the record, I've tried shorts from Banana, GAP, and Ann Taylor, too.  No dice.

But, you see, I have all these super cute tops that I might compromise the feeling of cracked-up-edness for, but they cannot be super-duper-show-your-heiney-short. 

So, where on Earth is everyone buying shorts from these days? 

{Y'all were so helpful in directing me to all the hot spots in Charleston, that I'm for certain you can help me out here, too!!!!  Thanks so much, btw!!!!!}

PS.  I was going to add an image to this post, but Googling "booty shorts" turned up less than appropriate results.  Happy Friday :)

48 comments:

Jen said...

From one short hater to another...try Old Navy!

Sarah Stoll said...

I'm also 5'10" and last year I purchased 3 pairs at Old Navy. They have different inseam lengths, so they don't feel as tight or short. I also got a pair of longer (almost to the knee) shorts there last year.

Teachers Cannot Live By Apples Alone

Busy Bees said...

I love this post!! I have tried to update my shorts collection this summer and it has been a disaster. I love sundresses, too but it has been difficult finding those too. Sounds like I need to check out Old Navy.
BusyBees

Tangelia C. said...

Have you tried Kohls or Catos? They have shorts that are not too short. I personally despise dresses... maybe I'll like them better when I drop some lbs. But for now, I'm sticking to my capris! Enjoy the rest of you summer!

PinkLouLou said...

haha Target makes bottoms fo any sort for size 0 tweens. It aint right.

I got some precious white silky ones at Arden B, but they are more like wear with heels going out shorts. Not exactly what you are looking for everyday I presume, ha!

miss you! xoxo

Deb said...

I'm not a fan of shorts either and those that I do wear are almost always Bermuda style. I recently found a cute pair of dressy jean shorts at a Gap outlet that are a bit shorter then the Bermuda length but not so short that they get "cracked-up"! :)

Jodi said...

Totally feeling ya with the shortie shorts. It's so hard to find a good pair of shorts. I hadn't gotten a new pair in about 4 years, but finally found two at Maurices. Do you have that store? Love it!

❀Jodi
Fun In First

Mrs. Voss said...

Old Navy is the spot to go! They have walking shorts that hit me at my knees (5'6") so they would probably be mid-thigh to you! Or stick to sundresses, they are cuter anyways.. that is what I mostly wear in the summer!

Anonymous said...

I am 4'11" and understand how hard it is to find decent length shorts. I just found some at Ann Taylor Loft. They come down to a nice length about 2" about my knee.

http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-Pants/6%22-Twill-Shorts/255816?colorExplode=false&skuId=88655239&catid=catl000014&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=4400



Hope this helps!

http://teachingmaketheworld.blogspot.com/

Blair said...

JCrew has some really nice short options. They have multiple lengths to choose from, and some fit better in the thigh than others. They should be going on sale soon :)

Deedee Wills said...

I'm with you... sundress! However, at times, the girl NEEDS shorts. Ann Taylor Loft (teacher discount card) is a good place, but you have to hunt for walking shorts. Also got a great pair last summer at Banana Republic (Triple A discount)!

Mrs. Wills Kindergarten

Jamie said...

I'm with a few of the other girls...try Old Navy! That's where I've gotten most of my shorts. They come in lots of lengths and colors :)

Megan said...

Ann Taylor loft- I'm 5'9 and everything looks like booty shorts on me. I feel your pain and am not a shorts fan either. Let usk now what you decide!!

PS: Wait for them to go on sale- they were half off recently!

Megan @ http://coffeypartyof3.blogspot.com/

Caryn said...

I think finding good shorts can be harder than finding a good bathing suit! (Though I do live in FL and bathing suits are sold year round here!) I found some at GAP this year that were not super short but also not that awful "bermuda" length that makes my short legs look like sausages. When I found the ones at GAP I brought 3 pairs of them!

Everywhere else they have been either WAAAAAYYYYYY too short (honestly they looked like they should be in the children's department!) or that unfortunate almost-to-your-knee length that just does not work for me.

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I buy from The Limited or Old Navy...I'm tall like you and I love them both!
Have a blessed day!

Erin Lukas said...

Try J.Crew! If you have an outlet near you (or maybe one along your adventures to Charleston) they would have the best prices. Their shorts come in 5" inseam and 3" inseam. I bet the 5 would be perfect with your height!

I often feel the same way about shorts and am VERY picky about how both shorts and pants feel! J.crew bottoms are my favorite!

Laura said...

JCrew & Loft have the different lengths and offer teacher discounts!!!

megandw said...

I'm with you on the sundresses! However, I have found some not-so-shortie-shorts at Eddie Bauer (not usually a place I shop, but, I too was desprate for longer shorts).
Good Luck!

Katie said...

I feel your pain with shorts!! Although, my struggles this summer with finding some can be blamed on being preggo (you wouldn't believe how short some of the maternity stuff is... gross!). Surprisingly, my favorite shorts last year came from Kohls and Express. JCrew always has cute shorts, but they never fit right :(

Sneaker Teacher said...

I hate shorts too! I have a few pairs from Gap, but when the weather gets warm I prefer to live in sundresses and skirts.

KT

Dana said...

Loft and JCrew have fabulous shorts! Not mom style, but cute, appropriate, non riding ones. Check them out for sure. Plus Loft puts everything 40% off every so often so you can get them for a decent price. :)

Shannon said...

i'm not a huge shorts person (and way more of a dress person) but i have a few pairs that i like. i would say my fave is from jcrew (outlet) but i also have a few pairs from new york & co and old navy. and i was lucky to find a few not "all cracked up" at forever 21. but that was pure luck!

Emily said...

I actually found my shorts at JC Penney this year....they're long, comfy and cute! Mine are a stretchy denim so they aren't stiff and "all cracked up" LOL!

Allie said...

I love love love my shorts from JCrew (the outlet of course!) I also think the Loft would be a good place to check. I think Gap is hit or miss. I hear ya on the short shorts though! Hollister/AnF has the teeny tiniest shorts I've ever seen!

Savannah said...

I am SO with you on the shorts! I too wear dresses all. summer. long. and have not bought shorts (other than for running) in YEARS. Please share what you find; I'd love some inspiration!

According to Ashley said...

I love dresses (and skirts), too, but I also have tons of shorts. Okay, I love to shop so I have tons of EVERYTHING. Anyway, definitely check out JCrew. They have at least 3 different inseams, and tons of gorgeous colors. I also have shorts from Ann Taylor Loft, but I'm 5'7" so they may be a little short on you. I also have 3 pairs of shorts from Target (last year, haven't looked for them this year yet). They're long-ish and have a rolled up cuff at the bottom. Super duper cute. Oh, and I also wear lots of bermuda shorts (Target, Gap, Limited, etc). Those can be dressed up, so I wear those to teach sometimes. I think you'd look adorable in them!

Ms. Thomas said...

I have long legs even though I am 5"2 haha so I am not a fan of short shorts! I wear the jcrew 5 inch short. They are a great length and comfy and come in a rainbow of colors! Try the outlet if you can on your trip soon!

-Ms. Thomas
thefirstgradejungle.blogspot.com

Nicole W. said...

I am right there with you! I hated shorts for all the same reasons, being "all cracked up" and way to short. I bought 2 pair of shorts this summer when I hadn't bought any at all in at least 5 years. I LOVE J.Crew's shorts!!! They have many length options (I went with the 3 inch Chino and they are perfect) and lots of fun colors.
Hope you have some luck soon!

Jessica said...

This is hilarious b/c I was JUST talking about that to a friend in Target this past week! And I agree... I get all my shorts/capris at Old Navy. (I love the long shorts that come to my knees. =) Good luck in your search!

Snoberts said...

I must also echo Old Navy! I have heard that their shorts are perfect for us women with height!

Jessica said...

Have you tried Coldwater Creek? I have some shorts from them and they are really comfy and not super short. I am actually wearing a pair right now and I LOVE them!

Meghan said...

I just read your post below about flying so I'm going to write my response here because I'm not sure if you will see it. We just flew to Montana with our 20 month old in June. We used a car seat bag and I stroller. It was kind of a hassel. While I was on the plane I saw this cart that you attach your car seat to. You strap your child in their car seat and attach the car seat to the cart and go through the airport. We will definitely be getting one of these the next time we fly. Google "go go babyz". We also took a portable DVD player, movies, and lots of snacks. Good luck!

The Kinder Garden said...

Old Navy for sure! They have different lengths and are super comfortable. I've also found some at New York and Company that were a good length.

Unknown said...

I'm a shortie (5'2"ish) so I don't know how much this will help you, BUT and I LOVE my J. Crew Bermuda shorts. They have a 9"inch inseam. Outlet and/or regular store I liked them both. Plus, they've lasted a lot longer than my old navy/gap shorts. I hope you find some that you like!!
-Andi

Conchy said...

I have the opposite problem! I'm 5' tall and all shorts are long-er on me. Living on a tropical island I wear shorts ALL the time. When buying shorts, keep in mind that they can't be too tight so you're probably not going to buy them the same size as you buy your jeans. If you do, you'll end up "all cracked up". Also, make sure they slide down to your hips when you're walking, that way they aren't too tight.

Hope this helps! Good luck and have a great time on your vacation!

Conchy

Conchy.Marcano@gmail.com

Stephanie said...

I like Old Navy too. They have a 5inch inseam which works best for me. I also like to buy my shorts one size bigger. I used to HATE shorts but now. LOVE THEM!! I just got too new pair from there the other day.

Unknown said...

Have you seen the blog, J's Everyday Fashion?
http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/
She has super cute ideas for shorts and more.
-Andi

Miss Megan said...

I too LOVE dresses!!! I just found the cutest one at Target yesterday! I posted a picture on my blog, although the picture doesn't do it justice ;)

internteachertales.blogspot.com

The Newlyweds said...

I'm 6'2"...definitely have long legs. I buy shorts at Ann Taylor Loft and Gap. The Loft has shorts that are long enough to be appropriate, but not lose the opportunity to tan my thighs! Gap has super-cute bermuda shorts...and they also have some "mid-thigh" shorts that are great, too! Try them...and let me know what you think! :)

Camille said...

Abby, Do you like skirts? I love dresses, too because they are so simple. Just one thing to put on. But with your really cute tops, maybe you could find skirts to wear with them. Hmmm ... now I am thinking that maybe I should start looking for a few skirts for me!

Anonymous said...

My favorite shorts come from Maurices!! They aren't bermudas and they aren't super short-they are perfecto! :)

Mary said...

I am 5'11" and HATE shorts too! Once in awhile I will find a decent pair at Old Navy, but my new favorites are from Ann Taylor Loft (with teacher discount card). They have ones with a stretchy waistband and they feel like sweatpants!

Mary
Adventures in Kindergarten

Rachel Cross said...

Hi Abby! I know you've had a lot of helpful suggestions already but they left out my favorite! :)

We have a Tommy Hilfiger outlet in St. Louis and it has quickly become my favorite place to shop! The shorts are perfect and I love how the shirts are actually long enough for my torso! Since it's the outlet it's a little more affordable than the other store I guess. I hope you have one near you!!!

Nancy said...

Abby, hate the shorts too! In fact, in line at my favorite Mexican place the other day, this teenager was wearing what I considered "underwear" shorts - yep, barely covered her assets - reminded me of brief underwear?! Why do parents let their daughters walk out the door with those short things on? It should be a crime!

My daughter is the one who convinced me to buy shorts - I just got some denim shorts from American Eagle. They are longer and I feel ok in them. Good luck! :)

Mommy Webb said...

The thought of breaking out my shorts for the summer makes me sweat under my armpits...thanks for making me feel normal:). Love ya.

Anonymous said...

You are so teeny and adorable, how can you NOT wear shorts :) jk! I too am not crazy about shorts but it's been SO hot and too have tops that are just cuter with shorts - I am 5'11" almost 6' so I know what you mean about finding long enough ones - well EXPRESS is where several of mine are from and I LOVE them, they're so comfy...try em!

Janelle said...

Lands End Canvas has some cute and comfy shorts. I just found out about them this summer and I love everything I've ordered so far!

Amanda said...

I have issues with shorts too, so I feel your pain. I think my three pairs of dressy shorts are all from The Limited, and my three pairs of casual shorts are all from J Crew. I am 5'7", so I know how hard it can be to find teacher appropriate shorts. Although, admittedly, I was a big fan of short shorts in back in my younger years... :) Now, I'm a sundress girl too.