11.6.14

sand, sea. . .and owls.

I am back from a week of sandy feet, massive sunburn and peeling skin, (much ugh) dolphin sightings, long walks into the sunset, shell hunting and jellyfish-avoiding. Yes, there were jellyfish washed up all along the beach in Oak Island, NC. They look squishy and feel hard, and sting if touched. The mild definition? Disgusting. OKI is a wild, mostly untouched place, where the occasional human invades and  the mood of the water changes from playful kitten to roaring lion, all in an instant. Where the mermaids croon when the tide comes in. (because I am a firm believer) Where the sound of waves get deep inside the soul until all you hear is that rumbling, beautiful sound. Coming in, going out. It amazes me, how all that glorious water--I truly can't enough of it--stays in one place. How could anyone spend even a short time on the ocean and not see God? He is in every salt-streaked breeze, every bird call, every drop of water meeting sand. I've been to the ocean before, but this time it captured me. Not blaming a balcony facing the waterfront or mornings watching pelicans whilst sipping coffee, of course. ;) I think the empty place in my heart will stay forever. . .unless I discover how to bottle the ocean, or make a pool in my room. Or maybe, yeah, maybe I'll just decorate everything beachy and summery. You know, maybe a bowlful of all the awesome shells I collected, some nautical colors. Maybe I'll just have to do it. :)

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." ~ Jacques Cousteau

I am basically in love with these tee shirts. Besides helping me discover that longer shirts are more flattering to my otherwise squat figure, :P they have an awesome natural fit that is all and everything a tee shirt should be. I'll be mentioning them again in a future post, but in the meantime, you are looking at what I call the pinnacle of all tees. Not only do they come in the most insanely adorable prints, (I mean seriously, owls?) but they don't cling and are just the right length to cover everything. Personal rule, but when I'm wearing pants I never wear anything above the knee and like to stay covered, so this assemble was a beach standby. Honestly though, I've hardly worn anything else so far this summer. The tees need some layering for modesty purposes--camis or Halftees work beautifully--but  they are so comfortable, easy to wear, cute. . .and yeah, I think you should stop everything and zip up to Kohls. ;)


If every evening could be an evening on the beach, I'd be the happiest girl alive. Each night on vacation my family would take a walk to the pier, and next to mornings-and-coffee-on-the-balcony, it was my favorite part of the day. Afterwards we'd tuck in our little beach condo for devotions and an episode or two of the Brady Bunch, then go to bed early. Not sure if it was all the exercise or salty ocean air, but my schedule completely readjusted itself. This night-owl has been going to bed around 11:30 PM every night, even now that we're home. This must be what milestones feel like. . . 


Hope you enjoyed this post, and that you take my advice and add a burnout tee to your collection. :) I have some really fun posts planned for the next week, including tips on how to pack minimally for the beach, how to create your own inexpensive, modest swimsuit, and what I'm loving in the Pinteresy world.*~

specs

Burnout shirtail tee: Kohls (on sale now! $7.99)
Shorts: Kohls
Owl necklace: Gift from a friend
Hoop earrings: Walmart
Bracelet: Gift from local shop
Sunglasses: Claires 
Hair scarf: Made by me

All photos by Anna.

20 comments:

  1. When I saw the ocean for the first time (as an adult) last month I was captivated. Yeah, it was 52*, raining, and I had numb feet....but it was beautiful. I love your modest style and even as I approach 30 yrs. I still try to dress modestly, close to the way I grew up.

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    1. It IS captivating. I've been to the ocean several times now (on both coasts,) but there is absolutely something magical about Oak Island, NC. I could seriously see myself getting married or at least LIVING on the beach. I mean, we saw dolphins almost every morning! B) The world doesn't get much better than that.

      You are always such an encouragement, Catherine. Many hugs to you!

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  2. This post makes me want to go to the beach sooo much! I adore your outfit; in fact, I just bought that exact pair of shorts at Kohls last week and have worn them almost daily until the temperature dropped! I didn't see the shirts, though. =( Maybe I should check online, I love longer shirts, too.

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    1. Hey. . .we're twins! ;) Aren't they the most awesome shorts though? I love the drawstring. Comfort above all else, IMHO. But then, being *uncomfortable* has always been a pet-peeve of mine. I like my clothes to fit, but I want to be able to breath and move around. Anna, on the other hand, likes her waistbands snug. Ick. ;)

      Do check online! They were selling fast the last time I checked.

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  3. Looks like you had a wonderful time, Michaela! Love your burn-out shirt. ;)

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  4. Beautiful! The ocean is such a perfect place, isn't it? :)

    dance a real

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  5. LOVE the shirts! I think I'm going to zip up to Kohl's right now. What beach were you at? It's beautiful!

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    1. Awesome!! Glad to have inspired you. :) I was on Caswell Beach in Oak Island, North Carolina. It was one of the prettiest, wildest, most secluded spots I've ever been in. I can't wait to go back!

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  6. Where you went looks like a cool place to visit. It makes me want to go to beach right now;)

    Shirtail shirts are so cute. I think they work great on a lot of body types.
    I recently got one from T.J. Maxx. that I can't wait to wear this summer.

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    1. You know what. . .just GO. If you can. ;) I never understood why people like spending day after day laying on the beach. . .until I actually tried it. Of course, private beaches and beach condos make the experience THAT much better. ;) I've been to the beach several times, but never for this long. It was utterly soul-restoring.

      Anywho--cool that T.J. Maxx sells shirtail tees too! I'd love to see how you style yours. :)

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  7. You're such a doll. :) I love your blog.

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    1. Thanks so much, girlfriend! Btw, I think I owe you an email. ;)

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  8. Can I just say beautiful! I want to go to the beach so badly now!!! Thanks for sharing so much loveliness. (Your outfit is so cute <3) And of course you look gorgeous (you make me think of Anna Popplewell! :) thanks!
    Love ya

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    1. Maddie!!! Girl, can I just say how happy you make me? Really and truly. I'm not even just saying that. :) I really hope we can meet in person someday, because we are kindred spirits, and you mean a lot to me. <3 Love ya!

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  9. Michaela you look so pretty as always, and Anna your pictures are gorgeous! You will have to teach me some of your tricks sometime! <3

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    1. Thanks, Michaela! Hey, if you get Anna to teach you her tricks. . .how about talking her into teaching me? :P I really want to learn how to use that camera properly. . .

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  10. Cheers for beach pictures and cute summer outfits! Love it. :)

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