When Are Shorts Too Short?

If you've got it, flaunt it, right? Well maybe not always...

Summer is fast approaching, we're currently at a daily average of 30°C here in Spain and as the spring wear is being flung to the back of the wardrobe, summer attire is a necessity. As ever, every girl's staple summer piece is a pair of denim shorts. High-waisted, patterned, vintage and distressed are just a few of the styles out there. This year, however, "short shorts" are the ones I'm seeing the most of.

"Short shorts" are basically hot pants made acceptable as day-wear because somebody cleverly named them "shorts". These kind of shorts don't stand out as being quite so short during the winter (or all year round in the UK) because they are worn with tights, usually thick and black. However, during the summer or when on holiday, legs, and the rest, are on full display with no tights to shield modesty.

Every other teenager owns a pair of shorts shorter, I'm sure, than their parents would like. Yes, celebrities wear them and yes, all major retailers are selling them but does that make them okay for the everyday high street customer? Where do we draw the line between fashion and indecency? Clothes shouldn't matter and how much respect you're given shouldn't depend on how much, or how little, flesh is on show... but it does. It is difficult to take someone seriously when parts of their body are in full view to anyone and everyone.

Let's be honest, how many people actually look like Rihanna or Miley Cyrus? Better to look gorgeous in some pretty longer shorts rather than mediocre or too short butt huggers? Save the hot pant shorts for clubbing/on the beach and try wearing actual clothes during the daytime.

8 Telling Signs your shorts are too short...
1. There is a visible crease where your legs stop and your bum begins.
2. You can feel a cool breeze on your buttocks.
3. Your shorts appear non-existent if worn with anything longer than a crop top.
4. People frequently say to you, "gosh, your shorts are quite short".
5. Your knickers show underneath your shorts hem.
6. You constantly find yourself pulling your shorts down from the bottom.
7. When you sit down, it looks as if you forgot the bottom half of your outfit.
8. Your Dad refuses to leave the house with you unless you put on something a little more "respectable".

Published in Vista Magazine May/June 2013

Gabrielle Aplin - English Rain

The British songstress had her first No.1 Single with her cover of 'The Power Love', used in the John Lewis 2012 Christmas Advert. Over the past few years Gabrielle gained a huge online following after publishing acoustic covers and released her first 5-Track EP in 2010. She since toured the UK and Europe, meeting fans after every gig expanding her army of loyal followers wherever she went. Earlier this year she supported Ed Sheeran on his Australia/New Zealand tour after being invited along via text message by the Acoustic King himself.

First single from the album 'Please Don't Say You Love Me' shows her melodic tones and word phrasing to perfection. 'Panic Cord' edges closer towards the sort of pop music we're used to hearing, while other tracks such as 'How Do You Feel Today' and 'Alive' prove why she really is the indie-folk princess.

It's notably refreshing to hear an album with every single song written by the artist. I had the pleasure of watching Gabrielle soundcheck at The Electric Circus, Edinburgh, in July last year. Her voice was so effortlessly powerful and she seemed like a sweet, down to earth girl. This album deserves every success and I'm sure it won't be long before Gabrielle Aplin is a household name and a national treasure.

Published in Vista Magazine June/July 2013