The Fab 40s in floral this month make quite a pretty picture, But oh, the style story behind this look! Where to start? First, let it be known that Kevin gave me a sewing machine for my birthday in February. When Dawn Lucy called this month’s Fab 40s theme as floral, I felt like I had to try my stab (literal here!) at creating an outfit. Meanwhile, I was so very inspired by this dress (It’s being sold by Simplicity Is Bliss who runs this Etsy shop as well.) over on my girlfriend Norbyah’s Instagram feed. I felt like if I found some pretty floral fabric, this would be the very dress to set me out on my sewing ways. My plan was to make a circle skirt and then attach a hemmed like scarf to only the frong to offer the optional ties. Well….many iterations later I must be happy with this end result, but oh, the path to getting there! It’s nowhere near my initial idea! First off, three yards were sold to me–which was definitely not enough for the desired. I then figured I could make a circle skirt, but then two circle skirts later, I was running out of fabric. I made this skirt and planned on a tube type circle top for up above but that was an epic fail! Finally to add a nice touch to the skirt, I found some sweet embellishments to add to the hem. Oh, there are so many more mistakes to tell like the fact that I measured the embellishment too short, so there’s a four inch gap of no adornment on the hem–what you didn’t know didn’t hurt you eh? At any rate, I had a good time sewing. I created a makeshift studio out of my office at work–somewhere I never go to on the weekends until now. I find my silent library with blaring classical music offers the most creative outlet as of late. Now, I just think I’ll go with a much easier idea next time around, but I don’t think there’s anything more simple than a circle skirt! Hahaha!
Basically I wanted a reason to wear my lovely blue pumps! I love these Vanilla Suite numbers I found at the local Salvation Army. Such a steal! Aren’t they cute pumps?
I also had the toughest time styling this skirt. I had planned on black on top and started with my spring staple: the black turtleneck. I thought a denim jacket would be the perfect layer. It did not work. At all. I then tried a black blazer, a sleeveless version. Again, it just wasn’t working. Even my photographer (Lil’ Gigi) was telling me it just did not work. That’s when I pulled out a basic pin stripe shirt. Ahhh, finally! I kept the black socks on–it was cold taking these pics. I might have soften my legs too much, but the goose bumps were not very attractive!
Another item I’ve been wanting to incorporate into one of my looks lately is this little hamsa clutch. Whenever I make an ASOS purchase, I always take a quick peek at their sales. I think HAND bag (See what I did there! Hahah!) was about $5.00. I love it! I also like how it pulls out some of the neutral shades in the skirt plus the black outlines tie in nicely with my black socks.
The Fab 40s in Floral
Now let’s take a look at the other Fab 40s. You’re going to notice a full color spectrum here which is so lovely! I’ll start with Dawn Lucy. She chose the theme and invited Andrea who is up next. I love the bright pink dress DL is wearing. Now for real flowers in real life, right!?
Andrea is our guest this month. She writes over at Living on Cloud Nine (Such a nifty blog name with her last name being Nine. Isn’t that clever!?). I love this yellow maxi skirt and especially appreciate the tied knot of the chambray. This is the perfect way to wear your denim shirt!
Sheela is seriously going for it with color and boldness, and I am in love with it all! I love that Sheela is mixing patterns here AND navy and black. Doing these two things are two of my favorite styles to try. Sheela, expect a call from me this summer: I want your floral top!
Now Jennie is seriously sporting THE perfect Easter blazer! I mean look at how lovely all the pretty colors are in this jacket. Another very covetable item. And, it’s such a dressy coat that pairing it with jeans is a perfect way to style this classy jacket! (And she actually has flowers to match her in the photo!)
Mary is bringing us the purple floral maxi. Isn’t it lovely! Again, I am so excited for the real flowers to bloom. The orange and turquoise blue in this dress are a stunning shout out to spring colors.
Samantha’s always got the mixing going on. Sheela and her have a thing I think….What I love about Samantha’s look is the unexpected blazer. It totally works and is so quirky yet chic all at the same time!
Diane is a gal after my own heart: check out her runners! I love this look!! I almost also tied my pinstripe shirt, but with my ruffled skirt top it didn’t work. But look how great it works with her skirt. Both Andrea and Diane gave themselves great waistlines by tying their shirts at the waist. Now, I think I have to get a pair of black Nike’s like these!
There you have it! There’s some definite floral inspiration here isn’t there?! Some dresses, skirts, a couple of tops and even a jacket. Hey, we’re missing floral pants! Next time….
Stay tuned for The Fab 40s next month. It will be Diane’s turn to invite a blogger and choose a theme. Hmmm, what’s in store?
Ann…that skirt turned out wonderful—the material is so stunning!! Good for you to keep going, even with all of the ups & downs!
And the end result of the entire outfit is so perfect—I’d totally wear it (here is a time that I love the socks with the shoes—I thought I’d never do that, but for some reason it works in this look—do you know why?)
Great varieties between you all—love it!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie, I’m the same as you–I never thought I’d be able to pull off the socks with pumps, but somehow it works here. I think maybe it’s because of all the underlying black in the skirt…maybe? Also, the black in the trim helped. I don’t think this trim would have worked without that trim. Can you believe I made the trim too short!? So silly!! I’ll have to fix it one of these days….or not! Hahha!
Thanks for your blogging love Jodie.
Love, Ann
Well ladies, you all look beyond fabulous in all your florals. That skirt turned out real cute after all, I cannot see any of the sewing mistakes. I love it with the adorable electric blue pumps and little black socks. Also your glasses and that box glove clutch are so fun and whimsical. Besides yours, I also love Jennie’s and Diane’s looks. All of you look great, though.
Come link up this pretty outfit and any other recent ones in my linkup. I have a linkup every Thursday.
http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/03/thursday-moda-4-and-lace-up-blouse.html
Happy Easter!
Thank you so much Ada! And I agree with your faves. It is hard to choose with 8 of us showcasing florals isn’t it?! Love, Ann
Annie…you are a clever cookie. I hope you are needing more sewing practice and are looking for willing volunteers! ;oD XXX
Samantha
What do you have in mind Sam?! You know I would try to make you anything! Love, Annie
Way to just go for it! You’re learning important lessons. One I always have heard is measure twice cut once..or something like that….Keep it going!
xo
N
In my case I think I need to measure 4 times and then cut!! Hhaahah! So many mess ups Norbyah! Yet, I’m still determined to try to create that dress on your Instagram feed. I might need your help.
Love, Ann
That skirt looks so cool and special! Despite all the issues, it look perfect! And I just love this cool pic of you in that pretty setting.
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Thank you DL. I feel lucky when my backyard is filled with pretty settings like this. Stanley, Hong Kong, the neighborhood in which I live, is so cute and quaint with views of water and little alleys everywhere.
Are you ready for next month’s challenge!? Not me!! Oh goodness! Love, Ann
I think you’ve made the prettiest skater skirt ever, Annie. Those colours are so rich and intense yet completely airy and light for Spring. With that trim, you look as though you’re wearing a cloud of peacock feathers. And we know how much I adore ankle socks, reminds me so much of Saturday Night Live, Grease and Happy Days – all of which always put a smile on my face. Rather like you and your style, my friend, always makes me happy xoxo
Awww, thanks Sheela! This is the first time that I felt like I really pulled off the ankle socks. In the past I’ve felt like a bit of a poser, but I liked them a ton with this look. Too bad I can’t actually walk further than five feet in these heels! I used to be able to wear them–not so much anymore. Maybe one day… a girl can dream right?! Love, Annie
Well, the skirt turned out absolutely wonderful! I’m so impressed! And I love how you ended up styling the skirt! Great look!
Thank you Andrea! Until I figure out the rest of the trim, it’s been put on the fix it shelf…such a silly first try at sewing. I can only get better! Hahah! Love, Ann
That skirt is so pretty! I love the fabric 🙂
Thank you! Love, Ann
This is such a sweet skirt Ann, and not a bad effort considering all the problems you encountered. I love the whole look, but particularly the socks and pumps. But hey, that handbag was a great steal too! Hope you’re having a lovely holiday x
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
Thank you Anna. Yes, I was greatly pleased with how my socks and pumps worked for this outfit. I had always wanted to try this look but it wasn’t until this outfit that I felt like I really got it. Who knows, maybe I’ll try it again! Love, Ann
Adorable look Ann! The skirt turned out so cute!! And all ladies look wonderful!! Love flowers in every form!! xoxo Zuma
http://www.splashofteal.com
Thank you Zuma!! Love, Ann
Oh gosh! It was sure nice getting to know you for this post Andrea! You too are an inspiration!!
Love, Ann
Thank you so much Christina! And thank you for coming by and commenting. I hope you come again.
Love, Ann
Heheeh! Thank you Linda! Thanks for stopping by too. Love, Ann
OOOH! I love seeing all the ladies in their fabulous floral looks! I’ve got all my floral inspo for spring right here! Thank you for sharing! Can’t wait to see what next month has in store, well done ladies!
XO
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
OOOH! I love seeing all the ladies in their fabulous floral looks! I’ve got all my floral inspo for spring right here! Thank you for sharing! Can’t wait to see what next month has in store, well done ladies!
XO
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
Oh gosh Suzanne! Next month is so hard!! I can’t share, but Diane chose a tricky style for us to wear…..Stay tuned!
Love, Ann