current obsession: too good to be true? I just found the perfect jean shorts for summer

TL;DR- yes, these shorts really check all the boxes.

Maybe you're like me & you hate shopping for shorts. I swear every summer, I'm like Goldilocks on the hunt for a pair that fits just right. But it's always something- like they fit weird in the hips, the waist is too tight, or they're just too short. Sound familiar?

LISTEN, I WAS SKEPTICAL, TOO.

 I guess you could say I've been burned too many times in the past when it came to denim shorts. So just when I stopped searching, the perfect denim shorts came to me. & Y'all, these do not disappoint.

Without further adieu, let me introduce to you the one pair of shorts you'll be reaching for all summer- the Emmerson High Rise denim shorts from Oliver Logan.

What I love about the Emmerson High Rise denim shorts from Oliver Logan

ABOUT THE FIT

So I'm 5'7 & typically about 175 lbs & I usually wear a size 12 for reference. For these shorts, I did size up, like I normally do with Oliver Logan, & ordered a Size 32.

What I love about the fit-

• the 11 3/4" high rise fit that comes up to my belly button

• a waistband that doesn't dig in

• a more structured denim to "hold ya in"

• a longer inseam (5.5") that still looks good but saves ya from thigh rub

• they don't ride up my ass

• they're really comfy & stylish

Additional points to note-

I carry most of my weight in my belly & have smaller legs. If you carry most of your weight in your hips & thighs, these might be a little tight in the hips & leg for you, as they just fit me perfectly- especially when sitting down. You may want to try a couple sizes to find the right fit.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Personally, I like these Oliver Logan shorts better than the Abercrombie Curve Love Dad Shorts I bought last year. While both pairs of shorts are comfortable, I find that the fit is more flattering for my body type with the Emmerson High Rise shorts.

10/10. The hunt for the denim shorts is over. Catch me rocking these all summer long.

If you want to give the Emerson High Rise shorts from Oliver Logan a try for yourself, feel free to use my discount code: STINA20 to save 20%. But as always, no pressure to shop!

(Editors note: the Emerson shorts were gifted to me from Oliver Logan. However, all opinions are my own. If you choose to shop using my links or discount code, please note that I may earn a small commission. Never feel any pressure to shop & remember focus on making smarter purchases & focus on what you actually need)

size-inclusive swim that doesn't suck

I did all the work for you. I found 3 Swimwear brands have cute, flattering styles for us midsized gals.

Does the thought of putting on a swimsuit make you sad? It's like unless you're a single digit size, your options for a stylish swimsuit start to dwindle. Plus, can we get some coverage please?

So I searched all over the internet for size-inclusive brands that make cute swimwear for us midsized ladies. Here are my top 3 brands that I've had my eye on & I think you should check out-

MONDAY SWIMWEAR

Photo: Monday Swimwear instagram

Monday Swimwear offers swimsuits for women up to an E/F cup. Fit is extremely important to them. Tops are fitted to every cup size & manufactured accordingly, rather than simply being scaled up from a size S - as per industry standards. They say their designs are "based off timeless pieces they know will compliment & flatter the female form, as opposed to recreating size-specific, temporary trends".

I love this.

STYLES TO CHECK OUT-

Aruba One Piece - Ivory/Black

Bordeaux One Piece - Chili Pepper

Clovelly One Piece - Sunrise Floral

YOU SWIM

You Swim on Instagram

You Swim offers a unique take on sizing for our ever-changing bodies. Their mission is "to design swimwear for the body you're in... creating a future of swimwear where change is celebrated, accepted, and represented. A future where trying on a swimsuit each summer doesn’t make you feel like your body is a problem."

Ok, I really love this.

They make two sizes that adapt to fit a dozen traditional ones: Stretch I (US 2-12) & Stretch II (US 14-24).

STYLES TO CHECK OUT-

Gaia High Waist Two-Piece

Elan One-Piece

Verve Standard Waist Two-Piece

GEODE SWIMWEAR

Check out Geode Swimwear on instagram

Geode Swimwear is a brand I discovered last summer. They focus on creating swimwear that "is cute, quality, affordable, and with the right amount of coverage". Ranging from size XXS-XXL, Geode really shines when it comes to their full coverage options.

Just because I want more coverage, doesn't mean I want to look like my grandma, amiright?

STYLES TO CHECK OUT-

Serena One-Piece Swimsuit

Stella Top & Stella High-Waisted Bottoms

Peony Top & Peony High-Waisted Bottoms

Personally, I think all three of these brands are really serving up some stylish swim options for summer. I'm thinking I might need to try them out myself & do a try on video. idk, what do you think?

Should I do a swimwear try-on video with a full review? & if so, what brand(s) would you want to see?

• Monday Swimwear
• You Swim
• Geode Swimwear
• All 3 brands!

See All Options

(Editors note: Please note that by clicking some of my links, I may earn a small commission. Never feel any pressure to shop & remember focus on making smarter purchases & focus on what you actually need)

current obsession: the beauty buys that have me looking effortlessly put together in less than 10 mins

because let's be honest, more sleep is my number one priority.

Those French girls are really onto something with their low-key makeup & uncomplicated cool-girl vibe. & I'm here for anything that will have me looking put together but with minimal time & effort. So I've taken a page from their book & adopted a simple makeup look that takes less than 10 mins to get ready.

Here are 4 beauty buys that I use regularly to give me that effortless put together vibe-

SKINCARE

A great skincare routine is the foundation for any great look. To get that healthy glow, I highly recommend incorporating a collagen face mask into your pm routine. Apply at night, go to bed with it on, & wake up with the most dewy, hydrated skin that looks refreshed.

Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mas

Medicube makes a great peel-off mask. Let dry for 10-15 min before going to bed & peel off in the am

Shop Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

Or if you're looking for something that's a bit easier to apply, I also recommend this collagen sheet mask from Biodance,

Shop Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

I also did a whole post about my pm skincare routine in more detail that you can read about here.

FOUNDATION

I like a base that's super lightweight & with minimal coverage. To get that no make-up, make-up look, I tend to wear a lot of cream-based products because they are so easy to blend.

Jones Road The Face Pencil

Jones Road has a great lineup of clean beauty products that are perfect for achieving this look.

I've been using their face pencils for my foundation for years. Perfect to contour with & can easily be blended out with your fingers

Shop Jones Road The Face Pencil

& Bonus, if you're looking for a little pop of color for the eyes, I love this buildable cream-based shadow

Shop Jones Road Just a Sec

BROWS & LASHES

I started doing my own lashes & brows about a year ago. Since then I was able to ditch the mascara & fancy brow gels & wax. I've saved so much time getting ready in the morning since I began doing my lashes & brows. Now I just fluff them with a spoolie & I'm good to go!

Wugayu Lash & Brow Lift Kit

I use this kit about every 6 weeks to keep my brows & lashes looking tip-top.

FYI there is a bit of a learning curve with doing your won brows & lashes. I recommend doing a bit of research before you get started. & Don't get discouraged if they don't turn out great the first time. It took me a few tries to get the hang of it.

Shop Lash & Brow Professional Lift Kit

LIPS

While I do love a good, bold lip, sometimes I want something a bit more natural. & After falling for some great marketing on social media, I'm here to share with you my 2 favorite lippies for some subtle color.

Wonderskin Lip Stain in Sweetheart

Yes, wonderskin lives up to the internet hype, imo. Plenty of options to choose from to find the perfect shade for you. Personally, I'm a fan of Romance- a cool rose color. One tube has lasted me about 6 months.

Shop Wonderskin Lip Stain

Violette_FR Bisou Balm in Rose Latte

Recently I added Bisou Balm from Violette_FR to collection. It's a sheer matte lipstick-meets-hydrating balm with a flush of color and subtle blurring effect for a just-been-kissed lip look.

I just bought their new shade- Mon Cheri, a warm brownish-rose color. The color is buildable which I love because you can control how much color to give your lips.

Shop Violette_FR Bisou Balm

So there you have it, tried & true beauty buys that will give you that chic, effortless look with minimal effort.

*disclaimer- I may earn a small commission from some of these links. Clicking these links is a great way to support my blog. But always, never feel any pressure to shop.