Keeping It Classy: The Evolution of Cropped Tops and Short Shorts
So, I’ve written about Bragg Jam, the bands I’m seeing, even what to put in your hair during Arts @ the Park to protect it from the sun, but what are you wearing? I’ll get to that in a moment but let me start from the beginning.
I’ve always had an issue with crop tops. I’ve just never seen how to keep them classy and chic- same goes for really short shorts. However, with the recent trend of super short shorts with suit jackets I have been slowly having a change of thought. (See example below- these are preview shots from a photo shoot I just wrapped up.) So, shorts I have come around about. Rumor Boutique in Macon, Georgia has some really cute ones (even some on sale!!!).
photo credit: Aaron Brown of 1826 Photography
But crop tops? Eek! It could also have something to do with the fact that my mid section has always been an issue for me.
I mean, even before I had kids my mid section was the most self conscious part of my body, or rather the part I was always most self conscious about. And the irony of it is (is it really irony? I sometimes use the word wrong) I am in a hell of a lot better shape now than I was then. Several years ago you could have said ” oh just get on the elliptical it’s so much easier than the treadmill” and I would have said “the what the what?!” Seriously I didn’t even know what one was until I joined a gym in Macon (while living in Athens- but working here at Dea- ohhhh yeah remember those days?!) and a friend showed it to me. Anyways….. getting off track, no pun intended I swear!!
Flash back to oh, 2003 or 2005, maybe even more like 2001 when I last recall crop tops were huge. (And on a whole OTHER topic- doesn’t it seem like the same trends are getting recycled that much sooner or am I really getting that much older? Hm. Not sure I want to know.)It was around the time of Britney Spears pre-psychotic break. They kind of had an athletic feel to them, which I guess in turn also referenced the athletic trends of the 80’s. I keep thinking about Miss Brit’s first big video to “Oops I Did It Again” when she wears the crop top/sports bra thing with athletic pants. Gross. Even with perfect abs.
So I was dismayed to see them come back. However, I have seen some really super cute ones.
I went to the Mamie Ruth trunk show at Karats and Keepsakes the other day and saw some really super cute ones. See below:
Both of these tops are fantastic examples of the newest form of the crop top, one which I can approve of. PLUS the one Tindal (the dark headed young lady) is wearing is reversible. I love reversible items- for obvious reasons (you get more wear out of them). I had the chance to speak with the designer behind Mamie Ruth: miss Emily Bargeron. She says that her style was greatly influenced by music festivals such as Coachella. Of course I asked if she would be in town for Bragg Jam but unfortunantly not- so, if you don’t have your outfit yet you can go to Karats to pick up some specificially music festival inspired pieces. Or, even check out the really cute shorts at Rumor! I have yet to decide.
Also- I have to congratulate myself. I managed to work in Bragg Jam in to a post which I didn’t originally intend to reference music (until meeting Emily and finding out music festivals were her inspiration) as well as hair care and fashion!!!! BOOM. #Winning.
Lil excited….
Love to all y’all… pardon my strange excitement please!
Molly
