Inspired by Jersey Girl, Texan Heart: Owning It in a Cropped Top & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #82

July 24, 2018 / 80 Comments
*This is not a sponsored post.

If you recall just last week I shared a post about how blogging has made me bolder in my style choices. Well, it seems that one little post of wearing a cropped top (and walking around in public in said cropped top) has ignited an inferno of bravery coming from this 44 year old overweight married mom of two. And I am now taking the phrase I will wear what I like to a whole new level by my very own standards.

Tee shirt: Charlotte Russe V-Neck Crop Tee. I am wearing an XL for size reference.  It is also available in Black.

With age comes wisdom. With wisdom comes confidence. And apparently with confidence comes a whole lot of nerve. When I saw my friend Monica of Jersey Girl, Texan Heart rocking the cropped tops this season, I got inspired in a serious way. Now I want to be clear, I am not delusional…I do not have a body like Monica has…she’s a hottie! And she’s a wee bit younger than I am, too. But in the interest of wearing what I like and showing women of all ages and body types that they can wear whatever the hell they like, too, I followed Monica’s lead and strutted around town in a cropped white tee shirt.

Before I continue on about myself, let me share some of Monica’s super sassy and sexy cropped top looks. You can view the full posts on the links provided below the photos.

1. HAPPY 4TH OF JULY AND A LINKUP
2. NOT EVERYTHING IS BLACK AND WHITE
3. BRANDS I’VE WORKED WITH-BEST AND WORST AND A LINKUP

1. WHY I DON’T PARTICIPATE IN THE BLOGGER CRAZE BEHIND NSALE
2. TAKING RISKS: BOTH IN FASHION AND LIFE
3. CACTUS TEE AND A LINKUP

Isn’t she rocking these looks? Now wait until you see what I was wearing when I had the opportunity to meet Monica last week for coffee and a photo shoot! I don’t want to say I was fearless…because there was definitely some fear involved in wearing that outfit, but I was brave and I stood up tall and smiled big and acted like I should be baring it all! Check back here next Tuesday for that…Monica will also be co-hosting my link up with me then and showcasing the outfit she wore for our meet up.  In the meantime, you can find Monica on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin’, Google+, and YouTube. Also be sure to check out her cool new photography page on Instagram.  My feet have been featured there!

Shorts: High-Rise Camo Print Shorts – Mossimo Supply Co.™ For size reference, I am wearing an 18.

Trying to focus on body positivity and self-confidence, I have been throwing all the rules out the window lately. Too old? Hogwash. Too fat? Nonsense. Too sexy? No such thing. Too sassy? Never. Not only have I been tossing out the rules, this midlife shift in my libido has also been pushing me to own my sexuality like never before.

Sweater: Very old from Cato Fashions.
Boots: Corcoran Tanker 10 Inch Leather Boots.

You know, I have heard about the nightmares of menopause. Hell, I have been experiencing the cruel torment of perimenopausal symptoms for the past two years. But I have also heard that women reach their sexual peaks after the age of 40. And I have been blessed with that phenomenon right in the midst of my menopausal torture. I guess it is nature’s way of balancing out the bad stuff with the really good stuff.

Rather than fight against what Mother Nature has deemed an adequate gift to me, I have decided to graciously accept it and fiercely own it. Every. Damn. Aspect. The good. The bad. The ugly. The tummy rolls. The cramps. The acne. And the overwhelming urge to be sexual, feel sexual, and radiate sexuality. If you don’t like it, I guess maybe you should just avert your judging eyes and move right along on your merry way. Because this 44 year old has just discovered something so ferociously innate within myself that I can no longer deny…and I am just going with it until the ride is over.

I want to thank everyone who has been encouraging me along this crazy journey to self-discovery and self-acceptance. My husband is at the top of that list…he really is amazing. When my ego gets hungry, he is always ready with exactly the right nourishment. He also has developed quite the knack for choosing the absolutely right shoes for any outfit! He has come a long way on this blogging journey with me, that’s for sure. The man pays attention to details. I don’t know who to give credit for that…me or his mother. I think I will be fair and give us both credit!

Necklace: Handmade by me…Fingers Crossed Charm is from Nicole de Bruin on Etsy.  And when I say handmade, I mean my hands attached the charm to a chain that I purchased at Michaels. 
Earrings: Asymmetrical Ear Cuff Earrings c/o Happiness Boutique on Amazon.

So if ever you are feeling down, unsure of yourself, insecure in your own body, just look around you. We all feel that way. We all fight through it every single day. And we find the courage to fight through it because of the people in our lives who empower us, encourage us, and uplift us. For me it is my husband, my family, and my friends…the real life ones and the virtual ones. You all are my heroes. And I cannot thank you enough. Who has been empowering and inspiring you to be your true, authentic self?  Who encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and face your fears?  Who provides you with the courage to take a chance no matter how crazy it may seem?  I would love to hear about it in the comments!

And now your favorite posts from last week’s link up.

Maureen of Little Miss Casual shared the cutest summer romper for a super hot day in her post, Floral Fringe Cuff Romper. For more cute, casual style inspiration, do hop on over and check out her blog!

Maureen of Little Miss Casual

And Jaymie of Shop Your Closet by Jaymie Ashcraft shared another adorable romper outfit topped off with a beautiful kimono in her post, Romper and My Beauty Picks from the #NSale. Jaymie is always spot on with stylish casual looks that will inspire you to shop your closet, so be sure to go see what she has been styling lately!

Jaymie of Shop Your Closet by Jaymie Ashcraft


Be inspired, be empowered, be bold, be fierce, be you.

Owning it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

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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80 Comments

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 24, 2018 at 10:43 am Reply

      Kathrine, thank you so much! This is an outfit that I would have admired on someone else a few months ago, but would have totally thought that I could never wear such a thing. I am so glad that I gave it a shot! I definitely felt super sassy!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jodie

    July 24, 2018 at 12:49 pm Reply

    You GO Girl!!!!! We do need to embrace the body we have. It just makes life so much better in every way, shape and form!! And you look amazing!
    How cool you were able to meet up with Monica!! I can’t wait to read all about it!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  • Lisa Richardson

    July 24, 2018 at 1:08 pm Reply

    Well Ms. Thang, you are DEFINITELY owning it and sporting it well. Great job and thanks for inspiring us all to dig a little deeper and capture of confidence. XOXO OH and I’ve been lax on my commenting with being busy, but how fun you got to meet a fellow blogger and enjoy some time together. Love that!!!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 24, 2018 at 1:20 pm Reply

      Lisa, thanks so much! I have totally been failing at my comment game, that’s for sure! There just are not enough hours in the day! Next Tuesday, Monica and I will be sharing about our little meet up. I hope you can check back then. And hopefully one day our paths will cross in real life, too! That would be awesome!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Suzy Turner

    July 24, 2018 at 1:30 pm Reply

    Shelbee, you seriously are looking amazing, my friend! And look at your legs?! I’m SUPER envious of those pins…. talk about shapely and gorgeous (not to mention smooth!). I’d love to rock a crop top like you (I also have a piercing) but I haven’t been brave enough yet. However, you have inspired me, so watch this space!!
    Hugs
    Suzy xxx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

  • Nancy Baten

    July 24, 2018 at 1:39 pm Reply

    I just finished a post for next week where I wear a crowd top for the first time in my life. I refer to you and your previous post there. I should add this one too! Fabulous!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 24, 2018 at 6:36 pm Reply

      Maru, thank you so very much! I do hope that what I share on my blog has the effect of helping others become more confident in themselves and jump out of the shadows! We all need our time to shine. I appreciate this comment so very much as it validates what I do.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 24, 2018 at 6:33 pm Reply

      Thank you, Anna! It is amazing what a little bit of exposure and blogging community support can do for one’s confidence level, isn’t it? I love my duster cardigans and can’t wait for cooler weather to wear them more often.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Susan

    July 24, 2018 at 2:33 pm Reply

    Damn Girl! You are looking ridiculously hot in this outfit, and sounding free and easy in your post! Well done, extremely well done! Usually, camo and boots are not my jam, but you are making me rethink that position.
    I love this entire outfit, and would wear any or all of it. Perhaps not the crop top in public, but the only thing constant is change. I will wear what I want and haters be damned has become my new mantra, since I’ve started reading fashion blogs. You inspired me last week with your poshmark red kimono, so I signed on, and just today received the nicest wedges ev-ah! I will be sporting them in my Good Buy/Good Bye look for August, so look out! Jodie inspired me with her July Love it or Leave it post, and I am now rocking creme blush! Amy at SylinGrannyMama inspired me with her maxi skirt series, and I went out last night in a maxi and my chambray shirt. Bettye inspired me with her dressing room photos, and now I am photographing myself too, and asking opinions before I buy stuff. Who am I and what have I done with myself???

    It’s all great. And so much fun! I’d forgotten how much I adore fashion, even if I am plus sized and 61! Now, instead of going to the same old stores, trying stuff on and getting sweaty and depressed, I read my blogs, checkout Poshmark, and just go find the pieces that I want, be it stores, thrifting, or online. I know what I want before I buy, and that has and will save me a ton of money, while allowing me to dress as I wish. This is the way I used to feel about fashion when I was 17–that all is possible if you’re a little creative. When I hit the plus sizes, I got sedate, and just assumed they wouldn’t have what I wanted in the fabrics I wanted, and most of the time they didn’t. (I detest polyester, and refuse to wear it)

    Now that I am planning my retirement, I can indulge my love of denim, all things boho, unique jewelry, anything fringe, kimonos, monochromatic dressing, and dressing all in neutrals. And not feel ridiculous about my fashion loves. It’s fun, and makes me feel fabulous!

    Thank you for your inspiration. Thank you for NOT looking fabulous when you wake up in the morning. Thank you for your bravery. And thanks for turning me on to all these great blogs.

    You, and your fashion cohorts have made me realize that I have always been a fashionista, and I can be till I don’t want to any more. I have finally reached the point in my life where I don’t have to dress to please anyone but myself.

    What a gift! You are very kind.
    XXOO

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 24, 2018 at 6:44 pm Reply

      Susan! Susan! Susan! You have made me cry with this comment. The good kind of tears, of course! You have validated my work, my mission, and the very essence of who I am. I cannot express enough gratitude to you for that. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to inspire and empower you just have others have done for me. I love that you have found such great inspiration from some of my favorite bloggers, too! How fabulous is that!? Now I am going to challenge you…I am sensing a fashion blog of your very own! When you are ready, of course. Perhaps it will be in retirement when you find that you need a creative outlet! And if you are going to accept that challenge, please don’t ever hesitate to reach for out help. I have been fumbling my way forward for the past three years and seem to know more about this blogging thing than I even realize! Ha.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

      • Susan

        July 24, 2018 at 7:37 pm Reply

        Pfft! No challenge at all, Shelbee. I’ve been kicking the idea about, as I love to write, but can’t photograph worth a damn. I did, however, take another bloggers suggestion, (thank you, whoever you were) and have signed up at my local Apple store so they can teach me to take better pics on my Iphone. Once I master photography, (and retire–311 days), you will be sorry you encouraged me. Like Sheela, I have lots to say.

        Peace!

        • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

          July 24, 2018 at 10:00 pm Reply

          YES! Susan! I am so excited to see what you show us and read what you write and hear all that you have to say! You already have a loyal follower before you even begin. And I can’t take pictures worth a damn either! Whatevs.

          xoxo
          Shelbee

  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    July 24, 2018 at 3:43 pm Reply

    You are rocking that crop top! I am a little nervous to wear a crop top, I’d have to wear high rise pants with it or something! Ha! I also love that duster you paired with it. It looks nice and breathable for this time of year, yet can keep you cool in the over a/c’ed bldgs!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 24, 2018 at 6:31 pm Reply

      Carrie, thanks so much! I didn’t have any higher rise shorts to wear with this or else I would have…instead I had to suck my gut in. You know, my middle aged mom tummy is not the most attractive thing in the world were I too slouch over and let it all hang out. So I had to stand up tall and confident and suck it in to make it work for me! But I don’t think you have anything to be too nervous about in a crop top. Give it a shot and see how you feel! I bet you would rock one just as well.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Patrick Weseman

    July 24, 2018 at 4:02 pm Reply

    With all due to respect, you are looking very hot (sorry-if that might be offensive). Love the look. Very nice. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful rest of the week.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 24, 2018 at 6:28 pm Reply

      Patrick, you always make me chuckle with your respectful compliments! Thank you so much. You can call me hot any day! I will relish in the compliment with no offense taken whatsoever! You’re awesome. Thank you!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Maureen

    July 24, 2018 at 4:35 pm Reply

    Shelbee, you look amazing and you are rocking this look! You are a true inspiration and what I love the most is your confidence and attitude. You didn’t let the clothes wear you. You wore the clothes and you dictated the outcome. I love the pretty color of your cardigan btw! It reminds me of Fall when the leaves turn colors and I can’t wait to see that this year. Thank you so much for also featuring me on your link up! It is such great honor and I truly appreciate it! I hope your day is going well so far and happy Tuesday!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 24, 2018 at 6:26 pm Reply

      Maureen, thank you so very much for this amazing comment! I am doing my best to fake ’til I make it! Ha. I am also looking forward to the pretty fall foliage and all the gorgeous fall fashions…my favorite time of year all around! It was my pleasure to feature you as you are also a wonderful inspiration to us all.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 24, 2018 at 9:59 pm Reply

      Nailil, thanks so much! I don’t know where this new found sassy confidence has come from, but I sure am enjoying it! I just dug out a few old tee shirts that didn’t fit right and cropped them, too!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Danielle

    July 24, 2018 at 11:53 pm Reply

    Holy it took a long time to get through all theses awesome comments to this awesome blog post! You know you rock so glad we are friends.

  • Darlene

    July 25, 2018 at 12:28 am Reply

    Shelbee,
    I’ve always admired ladies who feel confident in their bodies: the chubby gal in a bikini on the beach, the older gal in a miniskirt–and now you!! I admire you for stepping out and sharing your confidence. Enjoy this sensual time in your life–it’s very cool and very special!
    xx Darlene

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 25, 2018 at 11:08 am Reply

      Darlene, thank you so much! I, too, have always admired confident people. While I have been faking it all along, it has slowly started to root itself within me…and what a ride that has been. This is very much a cool and special time of life! I never would have even imagined it to be this way, but I sure am glad that it is.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Elsie

    July 25, 2018 at 4:05 am Reply

    Shelbee you look awesome! I am so proud of you for not feeling self conscious, because you have NO reason to!!! But I know how you feel. After your 30s pass, you start to to think that perhaps it’s time to wind down, cover up, take a back seat. But in my 40s, I feel more vibrant and sexy than ever. I wasn’t expecting that at this age. Glad I’m not alone. Let’s keep moving forward and living our best lives!

    Elsie | http://www.polishedwhimsy.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 25, 2018 at 10:56 am Reply

      Elsie, thank you so much! And I am right with you on that…I kind of thought the same way about my 40’s…yet here I am feeling all sorts of sexy and sassy confidence. And it is more fun than I ever could have imagined. You have definitely been rocking it, too. Cheers to these fabulous midlife years!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 25, 2018 at 10:54 am Reply

      Maira, thanks so much! Oh my goodness, there were so many cars driving by while we shooting these photos…I was so self-conscious posing! I am so glad that you can’t tell and can only see the confidence and sass.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Melissa @ Loving Life Moore

    July 25, 2018 at 3:37 pm Reply

    You’re gorgeous, Shelbee, and I love your infectious enthusiasm for live and happiness – it’s catching! Your confidence and positivity are truly an inspiration, and I admire that you’re willing to wear a crop top! I hope someday that I’m confident enough to do so! 🙂

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 25, 2018 at 6:42 pm Reply

      Melissa, you are too kind! Thank you so much for these beautiful words! You are equally positive and radiant in all that you do and share as well…and that is so needed in this world! And that confidence will come when you least expect it to!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lindsay

    July 25, 2018 at 5:03 pm Reply

    LOVE this post! Love that you are wearing what you love and what makes you feel good and confident regardless of what other people might think! Very few people in the world (like 2%) have a perfect body. Are they the only ones that should wear whatever the h#%% they want?! I think NOT! I love this cropped top on you…it is simple, I love the white, I think it looks just the right amount of sexy on you girl!! Bravo!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      July 25, 2018 at 6:37 pm Reply

      Lindsay, thank you so much for this amazing comment and vote of confidence! I got so excited about I how I felt wearing this cute cropped top that I went and cut up some old tee shirts that didn’t fit quite right and made myself 4 more cute cropped tops! To hell with society and their silly standards. We should all wear whatever we like!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 5, 2018 at 11:27 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Emma! I didn’t think I was brave enough to wear a crop top either, but there I am wearing it! It was quite empowering! And I am laughing out loud at your grandmother’s saying. A chill in your kidneys! My grandmother always yelled at us if we ran outside in socks without shoes…she was appalled that we would run around in our “stockinged feet”! Grandmothers and their silly sayings…my how they stay with us forever.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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