a week of high-waisted shorts. kimono.

i have to admit...i wasn't always a fan of the kimono. they're usually floral and they're usually styled in one of a couple ways...over denim + a crop top, or over a dress.

but let me tell you why: it works. something about the proportions - the length of the kimono, the high-waist and shortness of the shorts (or dress), the midriff bearing crop top - it just works.

i first tested the waters with a long leopard print kimono that i won in a giveaway and paired it with a dress. here i'm pairing a shorter kimono with these high-waisted denim shorts for an easy, casual look. you are guaranteed to have all the pieces in your closet already - tank top, denim shorts, sneakers/sandals/slippers, and lots of jewelry.

have you embraced the kimono trend?

how would you style it...out of the box?

(Deb shops high-waisted shorts & kimono;

Sole Society bucket bag; Ray-ban aviators; Nine West sneakers)

a few you might like:

bohemian chic.

bohemian can mean different things depending on the individual. in general, the look gives off a romantic and free-spirited feeling. it's easy to say you want to look like nicole richie but difficult to execute, so make sure to tailor the look to suit your personal style.

here's the breakdown of my bohemian outfit:

(and ideas for creating yours)

1. a soft, flowy dress

(think gauzy dresses, soft flared denim, comfortable maxi skirts, denim cutoffs)

2. tie dye pattern and ruffled hem

(details - unconventional patterns, embellishments and embroidery, crochet insets, fringe)

3. cute sandals
(think open-toed sandals or slippers for dresses, chunky platforms for flared denim)

4. a crossbody bag

(satchels, sling bags, natural fabrics or colorful patchwork)

5. loose waves

(keep hair unfussy with natural loose waves or a messy bun, or throw in a braid or try a headscarf)

(necklaces top to bottom: kendra scott; capwell & co.; 9th & elm)

6. pile on the jewelry

(instead of one statement necklace, try layering several pieces in varying lengths; add a second or third ring)

i didn't do this last one because it's still hot here, but...

7. layer up

play around with proportions and lengths. a long scarf is just right over a tee and flared denim, cardigans and jackets layered over dresses, and kimonos over cutoffs.

i have a hard time finding bracelets that fit, so i have been loving jewelry inspired tattoos like these from flash tattoos. they are super easy to apply and last at least a week for me. after i cut the length to fit my wrist, i love using the extra on my fingers as rings. however, the rings don't last as long since i wash my hands a lot. good enough for a night out, though!

(dress via local boutique; JustFab bag;

Sole Society cooper shoes)

how would you rock a bohemian look?

try these:

an [oomph] review. eshakti.

[i received one dress for purposes of review; opinions good or bad are 100% mine.]

let me preface this post by saying that i have personally shopped at eshakti prior to this review and was more than pleased with the items i received. regardless of my feelings about this particular experience, i would still make future purchases as well as recommend the site to others.

i'm sure you're all familiar with eshakti, an online clothing retailer that provides fit and style customization. this is a great option for those who are shorter or taller than average, have a longer or shorter torso, or anything else that makes you special! for me, it's my height. everything is too long for my 5'-2" frame. you can also purchase standard sizes without any customization.

i selected this lace up cotton print dress. it's not my style, but of the items available to me at the time, this was the only one i felt i could make work...possibly a beach cover-up because of its boho vibe? 

the default length for this dress was 'above the knee', and per the diagram on the site, it literally grazed the top of the knee caps. because i'm short, i decided to shorten the length to 'mini' which is mid-thigh. the dress on the left is what i received.

i was told the dress was processed at 34.5" per my height. it hits my knees and is definitely not mini. they were more than happy to rectify this, so i took 5 inches off their measurement and requested a length of 29". based on the original dress, this would hit mid-thigh if not slightly longer.

the dress on the right is the new length. mini, for sure. too mini! we just couldn't get it right. i felt frumpy in the original dress, so the new length is definitely more wearable as a beach cover-up and for lounging at the beach house.

length aside, the dress was not what i expected with a texture i can't describe. it's stiff and the heavier material makes it hot. if you wanted to close the gaping neckline, the ties don't stay tied because the balls are too heavy, and eventually the straps around the neck and at the arms just become a tangled mess getting caught on everything.

whether you need customization or not, eshakti has many other great styles to choose from. check out the other beachy white dress i purchased. definitely one of my faves!

do you have the need to alter your clothes?

have you tried eshakti? if so, tell me about your experience.