sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

All the Sparkles | December Stylish Monday Link Up

December 14, 2020 / 34 Comments
Stylish Monday, All the Sparkles
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

“Note to self: Never leave home without glitter.”

Adrienne Kress, The Friday Society

‘Tis the season to sparkle and shine with all the brilliance of glitter and sequins reflecting what is good and beautiful in this crazy, crazy world. Perhaps sequins act like magic in a way, by transporting us from the normal boring mundanities of life (especially life in lockdown) to an enchanted place that explodes with a brightness which blazes through a seemingly endless dark time.

When the Stylish Monday group presented sparkles as our theme for this month, I certainly had no shortage of shiny things to choose from to create some sartorial magic of my own. With so much extra time on my hands and little to do outside of my home, I find joy and happiness in not only donning my shiniest sparkles just for the fun of it but in learning new things as well.

As I sat down to draft this post, I hit a bit of writer’s block which doesn’t seem willing to unblock. So the fashionista/nerd girl in me decided this would be the perfect opportunity to learn something about the history of sequins. Smithsonian Magazine featured a fascinating article in 2012 on just that topic, A History of Sequins from King Tut to the King of Pop.

Gosh, how I do love these days of Google. It is so much easier than leafing through the mammoth pages of the Encyclopedia Brittanica. I remember poring over those pages with enthusiasm any time some interesting question arose that I needed answers. I spent most of my youth with my face in a book (or an encyclopedia) because I have always found a sense of peace and comfort in books. I have also always felt a sense of adventure in my never ending quest for knowledge.

sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

I like to know things. All sorts of things. Random things. Like the history of sequins. Because it doesn’t hurt to gain more knowledge even if it is the simple investigation of where a fashion trend began. Keep reading for the highlights from the Smithsonian Magazine article…

Sometime between 1480 and 1482, Leonardo da Vinci sketched a design for a machine that would punch tiny discs out of a metal sheet. The machine was never built so its exact purpose cannot really be known. Historians speculate, however, that da Vinci may have intended to create a method for glamorizing the gamurra, a typical women’s dress of his time. But they cannot know for sure with da Vinci since he was a jack-of-all-trades. Perhaps his intent with this metal punching machine had some other utilitarian purpose.

However, there is evidence of sequined clothing existing long before the Italian Renaissance. When King Tut’s tomb was discovered in 1922, sequin like discs were found sewn into his royal garments. Adorning clothing with precious metals and coins was a common practice to ensure that the deceased was financially and sartorially prepared for the afterlife. In fact, the origin of the word sequin has always referenced wealth.

During the first quarter of the 17th century, sequins became hugely popular for nobility and others of a certain level of wealth. Gowns were adorned with thousands of individually hand sewn sequins as a representation of personal wealth and status. After the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in the 1920’s, shiny metal discs sewn onto women’s apparel became all the rage. These discs were super heavy and made flapper style dresses that were dripping with sequins incredibly heavy to wear.

sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

In the 1930’s, a new process was developed to create lighter weight sequins for adorning apparel. However, the sequins were made from electroplated gelatin which had a tendency to melt if they got too hot or wet. Shortly after that, Herbert Lieberman worked with Eastman Kodak to create acetate sequins which are the direct predecessor of modern sequins used in contemporary fashion.

In 1952, DuPont changed the game of sequins with the invention of Mylar, a transparent polyester film which protected the plastic colored discs in the washing machine. Mylar was eventually replaced with vinyl plastic which is much more durable and cost effective, but it has a tendency to lose its shape and is not quite as sparkly as the sequins of the past.

Then in 1983, Michael Jackson made a sartorial splash when he performed “Billie Jean” as he premiered his iconic moonwalk wearing a black sequined jacket. This performance was viewed by 47 million people and sequins were reborn as one of the biggest trends in fashion during our age. And now, thanks to King Tut, styles of the nobility, and Michael Jackson, we can find sequins adorning everything from evening gowns to tee shirts and jeans. Sequins are no longer a symbol of wealth and are no longer reserved for special occasions. Instead, they have a become a symbol of fabulousness for the every day woman!

sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

So get out your sequins, ladies (gentlemen, too), and don your best sparkles to light up this place! We could all use a bit of sparkle and shine right now!

Let’s check out my beautiful sparkling friends all dazzling as bright as can be this holiday season. Be sure to scroll to the end to join our link party.

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

Elegance and Mommyhood
Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

“This has been the year of rediscovering my closet – COVID and all – so I am wearing an outfit featuring pieces I have owned, like this fitted cropped beaded+sequined hot pink tank top styled beautifully with a maroon shimmery tweed skirt (love that asymmetrical ruffle). I went for a monochrome look by pairing it with these cranberry studded suede booties. Between the top, my rhinestone hair clip, my jewelry and my gorgeous gold tree I got a lot of sparkle in this look. ‘Tis the season to Shimmer and SPARKLE!!”

Ada

Amy of Amy’s Creative Pursuits

Amy's Creative Pursuits
Amy of Amy’s Creative Pursuits

“Since Christmas will be spent in the comfort of our home this year, I decided to create a comfy casual yet sparkly outfit at the same time. I paired comfy jeans with a sequined tank and then I added even more sparkle and shine with jewelry and fun gold sandals.”

Amy

Andy of Pearls and Pantsuits

Pearls and Pantsuits
Andy of Pearls and Pantsuits

“I’ve had this jacket for a while and just love the subtle pop of sparkle on the sleeves, so when I found the fully sequined top at TJMaxx I just knew it would work well with that jacket and so many other things in my closet! It’s a lovely rose gold color and is lightweight enough for our warmer Louisiana winter weather. I adore sparkle! Give me all the sparkle!” 

Andy

Emma of Style Splash

Style Splash
Emma of Style Splash

“I bought this ‘Golden Girl’ sweater last winter, and when it popped up in an Instagram memory I thought it would be perfect for this theme. It seems I’m not the only one who loves it because I’ve seen several celebrities wearing it on TV in the last week. True to the slogan I had to add more gold; I finally managed to get hold of these gold boots after patiently waiting for months for them to become available on eBay in my size (they sold out very quickly in Zara). I think they were worth the wait!”

Emma

Julie of Fashion Trends and Friends

Fashion Trends and Friends
Julie of Fashion Trends and Friends

“Can a girl ever wear or have too many sparkles? I think not! This month’s theme is totally in my wheelhouse! I love and am most attracted to all things sparkly: rhinestones, glitter, shimmery threads and material, metallics, and the more sequins the merrier! I know that December is typically the month to shine but why not all year long? Since we’re staying home more than ever and wearing more leisure wear than perhaps we have in the past, I’m really excited that current trends are incorporating sparkles into leisure wear! Being fancy and sparkly brings me great joy even if I’m only sitting on Zoom all day! If over the top sparkle isn’t your thing, it can be super easy to just have a touch sparkle! Shine on Friends!”

Julie

Michele of @seechele_styles

@seechele_styles
Michele of @seechele_styles

“My Sequined top is thrifted, the camo joggers are from Walmart and my sneakers are from SHEIN. It’s a party on the top, and casual on the bottom, showing you can mix it up.”

Michele

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style

Nancy's Fashion Style
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style

“I’ve been looking for a perfect gold sequin top for months now but can’t find it! So annoying! However….I do have this gorgeous rose gold shiny metallic kind a skirt. Very glowy and perfect for the holidays with a gorgeous black blouse and black heels. But for now I am wearing it for these cold days before!”

Nancy

Nicole of High Latitude Style

High Latitude Style
Nicole of High Latitude Style

“Being a dancer sparkle is my thing. Can you imagine a ballroom gown without Rhinestones or sequins? Of course, the sequins also can be worn at day.”

Nicole

Nina of Sharing a Journey

Sharing a Journey
Nina of Sharing a Journey

“It’s that time of year when glitter and glitz, sequins and bows can and should be worn daily! Hop over to lift your spirits and add a little glitter to even the smallest of things.”

Nina

Suzanne of Ask Suzanne Bell

Ask Suzanne Bell
Suzanne of Ask Suzanne Bell

“This holiday, our activities may look different than seasons past, but we cannot give up and let the Covid steal our sparkle. These days, running errands, baking, picking up take-out, or binge-watching classic holiday movies on the couch are opportunities to swap out the yoga pants for something more festive in order to feel a bit more put together, and in the spirit of the holiday season. By swapping out a plain white tee for this thrifted sequin rocker tee and velvet duster, I felt a whole new level of festiveness.”

Suzanne

And me…

sequins, sequin mini skirt, thrifted style, leopard top, sequined boots, faux fur coat, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

“I recently found this sequined mini skirt on a thrifting adventure for something sparkly for another style challenge. I ended up wearing something different for that one so I was excited for this style theme to wear the skirt. I added my floral sequined boots, a leopard print sweater, and my faux fur coat (also thrifted) with statement gold jewelry for my shiny festive outfit in black, tan, and gold. It never hurts to add some sparkle and shine to our days! Happy holidays!”

Shelbee

Have you been embracing this holiday season at home with some sparkles of your own? Shine on, my friends! And share your looks with us in the linky below.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Sparking on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Shop my look…

Outfit Details: Coat, Skirt, and Tights-Thrifted / Top-Torrid / Boots-JustFab / Gloves and Clutch-Target / Necklace-Walmart / Earrings-Claire’s / Sunglasses-Kate Spade

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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