The moment Diane from Fashion on the 4th Floor declared this month’s styling theme every one of The Fab 40s got a little nervous–including me. Pleats, that’s what we were to style. The moment I saw pleats I thought to myself: Oh! Pleats look awful on me–they just enhance my ponchy ponch. I instantly started imaging the pleats on a pair of khaki trousers or even pleats on a midi skirt. Pleats at the waist add a an inch or two–something I try hard to avoid. It wasn’t until I thought out of the box, much like my companions below, that I realized pleats come in all sorts of ways. Take for instance this lovely handmade skirt I purchased on my travels through Lianjiang, China. This skirt is patched together from many pieces of fabric and all those folds, I mean pleats, add to the intricacies of this item. I love this pleated piece hand made from Chinese village women. It’s precious to me.
The Fab 40s in Pleats
Fashion on the 4th Floor
Diane called this theme. Look how whimsical and fun her top is. It’s almost like it’s a skirt top–the neck looks barely there. Because of her amazing shoulders, this neck and line look stunning on her sleek, athletic frame.
Funky Forty
Yvonne is our guest blogger this month. She writes Funky Forty, and basically, she’s a gal after my own heart. I feel like I could wear exactly what she is wearing. Or at least I would try to. I would probably ruin this chic look though with too much color somehow. To me, Yvonne just rocks cool. Her outfit and the way she has styled pleats reminds me of my sister–whom I always try to emulate.
Fashion Should be Fun
Dawn Lucy’s lace and leather are spot on. On the one hand, she’s edgy, but then on the next she’s got a whole Audrey Hepburn vibe going on. Do note–that’s a hosiery tattoo! I never knew!!
Fake Fabulous
Oh Samantha! This top is so angelic. It’s beautiful. And then spun with a little red and blue jeans, it reminds me of a modern day Marilyn Monroe. What a stunning and unusual top that’s just really, really pretty.
Sheela Writes
I’ve begun to call this woman Queen She, and by this picture, you can tell why. Sheela just rocks all coolness. From the heels, to the skinnies, to the leather on top, Sheela displays pleats of an ethereal type with this top/dress. And the color, in blush, well it’s beautiful.
A Pocket Ful of Polkadots
Preppy cool in mint for Jennie. I love how proFRESH she is. This is a flirty outfit, one made for twirling. And with the collar turned up, Jennie shows just how to be chic.
Curly Byrdie Chirps
I’m beginning to realize Mary has a covetable collection of dresses. This one with colorful poppies is another winner, and the halter neckline works on just about every figure. Mary is stunningly statuesque here and the colors are so spring filled.
Kremb de la Kremb
For me, I chose my black crop top with laced back alongside my sleeveless denim jacket. I can’t seem to stop wearing my evil eye earrings–they’ve been on serious repeat lately. I opted for my Star Wars Vans because they match exactly to a tee. It couldn’t be helped. I grabbed my leopard backpack at the last minute. I’m not sure it totally works, but leopard goes with anything in my book. Finally, I wore tons of blue mascara and an orange lippy–playing matchy matchy makeup with my skirt. This happened to be a very real outfit that I wore to work last week. My friend Norbyah took the pics after school right outside my apartment building.
It was so fun to see how everyone responded to this month’s theme and rose to the challenge. I am so glad you showed a close up of your beautiful skirt – I am enthralled with the gorgeous details and bold colors! Those Star Wars Vans are the absolute Cutest and compliment this look perfectly.
It was wasn’t it Jennie! And we were all so scared!! I was like, There is no way I’m wearing pleats! All they do is add on inches to my waist! Luckily, all of us started thinking out of the box. Right?! I love your look Jennie. So preppy and fresh.
I’m actually wearing my Star Wars Vans again today!! Hahaa! With a co-ord! Here’s to comfort while at work….
So fun to be in our Fab 40s, isn’t it!?
Love, Ann
I love the way everyone shows how great pleats can look!
Your skirt is gorgeous! I love the colors, and the pleats really work! And even better that you purchased it while traveling – I always love bringing back clothing or accessories as a souvenir! 🙂
Whenever I travel, I go a little empty or I bring items to leave behind just so I can bring back treasures! 😀
Thanks as always for your lovely comment Andrea! Love, Ann
I’m with you Ann—I usually try to veer away from pleats (in fact, I’m not sure there are many in my closet). But I think you definitely succeeded with this project—it could help that the skirt is short so not as much material?
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps…I’m not sure you can lay claim to being in your 40’s if you’re wearing star wars paraphernalia—ha ha!!
Hhahahah! As I reply to you I’m wearing my Star Wars Vans with a co-ord. It’s these high school kids–they are keeping me young. And plus! I LOVE STAR WARS!! Did you see the new one this winter? Immediately after viewing it, I bought these Vans. I love them. May the Force be with you!
Love, Annie
Love your creative take on pleats. That skirt is adorable and I really love the casual cool styling you did here. Aren’t those tattoo hose fun? I’m doing a whole post of them on Friday!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Thank you Dawn Lucy. I do really love this skirt. Special memories!! Ooh, I’m looking forward to that post! Love, Ann
I say YES to short, flippy hemlines and those fabulous (tanned) legs of yours.
Cute, fresh and totally wearable.
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com
P.S Loving your makeup too!
Ahhh, thanks Samantha. On a previous message I gave you my secret to my tan: it’s all self tanner! I use a Tan Towel on Sundays. Then during the week I alternate between Jergens Natural Glow. They have one that’s a self tanner and one that’s like this five in one. Try ’em! You’ll be amazed. Oh! And I started the tan with a trip to Benefit where they gave me a spray tan. That’s long gone by now, but I just keep up the self tanner with this routine. Fake huh? Fake and fabulous!! You know what I’m talkin’ about!! Go for the medimu-tan despite being fair. Trust me!
Love, Annie
I was already in love with your skirt before reading the providence behind them, Annie, and now I’m madly infatuated!! And that from someone who doesn’t wear (a) anything that shows the knees and (b) pleats. How have the tides changed 🙂 #youdoyou because you do you so well. Those colours. The fun vibe. Your spunky nature. SO SO SO cool.
Thank you Dear Sheela! Big besos for getting us all started in the first place. I love The Fab 40s!! 😀 Annie