Clowning around in the park

Remember how I said it went from marginal spring to summer in about 10 seconds flat? Right. One week I was wearing wool sweaters and the next shorts, scrambling to rotate my closet before I blinked and it was fall again and I’d be back to wool. (I mean, I’m already getting “pre-fall” promotional emails. Really?!)

When I wore these shorts it was the first time I got to bare my thighs this year!

They were sent to me by the kind folks at Emmy Design Sweden, from their Spring/Summer 2016 line. They’re a wonderful Swedish retro brand that I don’t feel I see nearly enough about! They specialize in high quality garments. I reviewed their señorita top last summer and it still looks as good as new, and I’m not particularly delicate on clothing.

These are their Casual Voyager shorts… being a sucker for a good name, it won points for that alone. I picked red, but they also come in pale yellow and white. Red was perfect to pair with a pair of canvas nautical-themed slip ons by Miss L Fire (purchased way on sale a year or two ago), though I didn’t carry on the nautical theme and picked a vintage embroidered peasant blouse that I wear so often I’m surprised it’s still around and kicking. I found these shorts look best on me with a blousy top rather than fitted, and peasant blouses are a summer favorite of mine that work great for that.

The shorts are great quality and feature a clever construction with the waistband and center back seam, giving over 1 inch as a pressed open seam allowance and carrying it up through the waistband, so you can very easily have them taken in or let out without completely disassembling them.

From the Emmy site:

Because bodies change over time and we want to secure a perfect fit in the long run by making it easy to take in or let out your new favorite pair of shorts.

Love it! It’s a great way to think about pieces, to keep them lasting through the years! I wish more companies would do that. (It’s also a great tip for those of us who sew, too.)

Clowning around a tree, you can see some of the little touches I like about the shorts—buttons up the left side as a closure, front pockets, and faux back pocket flaps. And the stripey belt comes with the shorts! A lot of their items have nice little elements like this. (I mean, just look at the adorable front details on the curvy wiggle capris!)

I sew myself some wardrobe staples, but there are plenty I’m happy to hand over to others when I can find a nice version! These red shorts definitely quality. The fabric is nice and sturdy, and they look and feel great to wear.

Even when you’re acting like a goober and trying not to fall off the roots of a tree on a windy day because you’re so excited it’s finally warm.

There are some other really fun items in the Emmy Design spring/summer line this year. If you’re looking for a nice retro staple or warm-weather inspiration, definitely take a look!

outfit details

Casual Voyager shorts – c/o Emmy Design
vintage peasant blouse – misc.
shoes – Miss L Fire
Bakelite bangles – misc.
lucite earrings – misc.