Cape Cod charm: TopShop scallop skirt + sleeveless chambray

**Sale alert: if you're looking for a great pair of boyfriend shorts that aren't too short, I came across these Guess boy-fit ones (yes, Guess...can't remember the last time I went into one!) that are very reminiscent of Rag & Bone ones at a fraction of the price. They are on temporary markdown for 50% off, plus new customers can use code FIRST15G for extra 15% off and free shipping. I tried on a size 24 which were a little loose, not atypical of the bf style (fit just like the sizing of R&B bf jeans), so ordered a 23 online. Also, search for the "cable knit dress" on sale - would be adorable with flats or over tights, and the 35" length shouldn't be too mini on petites.**

Topshop scallop hem miniskirt (2 colors, also available at Nordstrom, wearing US 2)

Talbots shirt in 2 reg (very similar), BP wedges, Mar Y Sol tote (similar)

Just a quick post today from Cape Cod - the hydrangeas there are so charming this time of year! I wanted to share this adorable petite-friendly skirt that I packed for the weekend. It's just like my navy one that I DIY'd but is stretchy and of good weight. Either color is very easy to pair with tops, and as a bonus it fit great off the rack!

Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses in brown gradient, Baublebar necklace

This skirt is available at both Topshop and Nordstrom, both with free shipping & free returns! Topshop currently has more sizes in stock, down to a US 0 (in my experience, their sizing runs very small, about 2 sizes smaller than other US brands I shop at). I am wearing a US 2 here which is a comfortable fit and not too mini. For reference, my waist/hip measurements are 24/32 inches.


This skirt is pull-on style with a thick elastic waistband concealed inside. The material itself feels like a stretchy twill and is fully lined, with the lining completely stitched to the outer so no worrying about the two layers coming apart. As with all white bottoms I recommend wearing skin-colored undies, but I was happy to be able to wear printed tops tucked in without much show-through. The size 2 I have, when lying flat and unstretched, measures about 12.5" across the waist and 16.5" across the hips. This is one of those pieces I'll be sure to keep out of the machine dryer to avoid any shrinking.

ASOS swimwear / bikinis in extended band sizes (for both petite and full busts)

ASOS bikini in Japanese Floral

Swimsuit shopping for me is about as much fun as going to the dentist, so each rare time I find success I can't wait to share with you guys. I have a small bust (my bra sizes range from 30A to 32A) that fluctuates from time to time with weight changes, and I prefer shaped, underwire cups that have good structure. It's tough to get the cups right - I own some where the band fits but the cups are soo itty bitty, or the cups are a little too curved/wide and nip slips keep Nick constantly on edge.

I know many of you also need small band sizes but have fuller busts, so I was especially excited that ASOS swimwear makes both extended band sizing and fuller bust cups! Their size ranges start in 30A - 30J going up to 42 in band size. Swimwear is often done in general letter sizing (s, m, l, etc) so it's helpful to have such specific numerical sizing for finding a good fit. And to make the good prices even better, all full priced items on ASOS are 20% off now with code LONGWKND (ends Tuesday; valid in US & Canada). Here's a few other options in a similar cut to mine:

Talbots sandals (4 colors, on sale! $50 after discounts), Mar Y Sol tote

Ray Ban aviators in blue/gold, old scarf (see how to tie as a coverup top)

The best way to navigate their big swimsuit selection is by filtering for your size on the left hand navigation panel. Oftentimes they will have separate listings for the same suit in regular bust sizes versus fuller bust sizes, and their tops and bottom pieces are usually listed separately so don't forget to add both pieces to your cart!I'm wearing the longline bikini in Japanese Floral in 32A and bottoms in US 0 / EUR 32. I first tried 30A in the top and it was too small both in the band and cups for me, but sizing up did the trick without leaving any gapping in the cups.

I've had several questions about the coverage of ASOS bottoms, so this is what the "brief" cut looks like from the back. I would say it's medium coverage compared to other suits I've tried.

My favorite is still Triangl's underwire bikinis (see my review) due to the material, structure, and better rounded shape of the cups. However I know their shipping policies are not convenient (plus several customers have been hit with custom fees), so wanted to share this as an alternative. Here's how the two suits look side-by-side.

You can see below that the coverage of ASOS and Triangl's bikini-style bottoms are pretty similar. Triangl is cut slightly wider at the top but narrower as you get down towards the crotch, whereas ASOS is the opposite.
Here are all the suits ASOS makes in a style similar to Triangl's - they call it their contrast collection. You can mix and match regular bust strapless or fuller bust with halter strap, and bikini, high-waisted, or hipster bottoms.

Beach casual: pom pom shorts, chambray shirt + cork wedges

Halogen petites shirt in light denim, Lush crochet shorts sz xs

BP Summers wedges (size up), Mar Y Sol Collins tote, Ray-Ban aviators in blue/gold

This was one of my favorite comfy outfits while traveling last month...the button-up shirt and elastic-waist shorts are so easy to throw on, and serve as a swim coverup too. I had ordered these wedges (3 colors) to try as an alternative to skinny heels, which don't work so well on sandy or grassy surfaces (unless you're aerating the lawn!). I tend to go safe and hoard neutral shoes, but saw the bluish grey option in person and those are quite pretty too. Frankly, I didn't expect these to be keepers due to the height, but they are surprisingly lightweight and comfortable and feel like much lower shoes! Would definitely recommend if you're shopping for leg-lengthening wedges. Fit note: These run on the narrow side. I'm typically between 5 and 5.5, and the latter was snug on me so I'd suggest potentially going up half a size from your usual.

For this post, I'm partnering with Nordstrom juniors, where I've found many pieces that fit without alterations and can actually be appropriate for a more mature wardrobe (especially when styled right). These cute shorts are one of those items - the XS was fitted at my waist (24" for reference) and stretches with the elastic band. You can also make the length appear longer or shorter to your liking, by wearing them either lower at your hips or higher up on your waist. My only gripe with these is that the elastic band within the waistband casing tends to flip around and get twisted inside. You can fix this easy with a few hand stitches to secure it down, but I wish they had come like that. The pom pom detailing and crochet material are good quality in person and fully lined. As with all white pieces, I'd suggest wearing nude-colored undergarments to avoid show-through - I'm wearing a swimsuit bottom below and you can kind of see the outline show through. Thank you to Nordstrom juniors for sponsoring this part of the post!

And yes I can't get enough of this soft chambray shirt (wearing xxs petite in the "light denim" option)...in addition to styling it both for work and the beach, I've also loved knotting it like this but over a dress. It works especially well breaking up more busier patterned dresses, like the ASOS floral one from this post.

Tying a scarf as a beach cover-up + Mar Y Sol Collins tote

Express shorts sz 00 (longer version), AT sweater c/o, Ray-ban aviators in blue/gold

Mary Y Sol "Collins" tote (2 colors), Triangl bikini c/o (similar starting in 30A)

Even though "jorts" (jean shorts) were infamous in my how to look older post, I found myself hankering for a pair for those casual days. I wanted just the right amount of distressing and a broken-in wash, with cuffs instead of a raw cutoff edge. I ended up with these from Express, which actually has decent denim options starting in 00 regular and short. I wouldn't have minded a longer length, but these aren't bad on short legs and certainly more modest than my 'crombie pairs that have seen better days. The waist is a little loose but works as a casual fit. FYI, I noticed afterwards that Express also makes a longer version.

I packed these on a recent beachy getaway to keep my bum covered, and ended up wearing them often with this scarf. I had browsed everywhere for petite-friendly cover-ups, before realizing I could just tie old, lightweight scarves as sarongs. This rectangle one (borrowed from my friend) worked well either knotted simply around the waist, or crossed-over in an easy "dress/top" of sorts. I can't wait to sift through my old scarves and see what else can be re-purposed for future beach trips.

A note about my bikini - Triangl suits are my absolute favorite for smaller chests, but I wanted to point out a few commenters on this post who mentioned they were charged with very high custom fees on their orders. Like other international retailers, Triangl mentions on their site that all duties and custom fees are the customer's responsibility, but I had no idea just how much such fees could be! It seems that these fees are determined by your own country and state...anyone who has a better understanding, please help explain. I noticed ASOS has a similar bikini that starts in 30A (note: I own an ASOS suit and it runs a little small - had to exchange for 32A which is a snug fit). They are an international retailer too so custom fees could still apply, but I haven't yet been charged any on an ASOS order, knock on wood.
Last but not least, I am in love with this straw tote and impressed by the brand behind it. The designs are adorable and the quality of the weave and stitching is visibly good. If you like knowing how & where your products were made, Mar Y Sol has a video showing the artisans in Madagascar who handcraft these bags from start to finish.
For lovers of oversized totes, Mar Y Sol's most popular bag seems to be the Caracas but I personally preferred this smaller Collins tote for a petite frame. The base of this one is about 11" x 6," and the top at the biggest part gets to be about 16" x 9.". I brought it everywhere with us and it had room aplenty for changes of clothes, sunscreen, snacks, beer, you name it.