Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Romance & Ruffles | May Stylish Monday Link Up

May 10, 2021 / 46 Comments
Stylish Monday
Stylish Monday
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Romance and Ruffles is the theme this month for our Stylish Monday Link Party. While I am a hopeless romantic and a total love junkie, ruffles are a thing of scarcity in my closet. I have a few bits and pieces that have a ruffled hem or some flouncy tiers but none of them were really speaking to me as I got to thinking about this style prompt. And if the clothing isn’t speaking to me then I am not hearing it or seeing it or wearing it.

I almost declined to participate this month because of my lack of ruffled motivation and then I remembered this bold and dramatic kimono that has giant bell sleeves and lots of flounce at the hem. I had photographed this outfit way back in the beginning of April when I put a dozen tiny braids in my hair for my Soundsuit Style Imitating Art prompt. I think I need to braid my hair like this more often because I really do like it. It’s a little bit crazy but it works well with my summertime hippie vibes.

This kimono is a newly acquired piece in my wardrobe that I found on clearance during a recent Torrid shopping spree. I immediately fell in love with the mixed prints and the dramatic details on this gorgeous topper piece. It will make a statement no matter what I pair it with this season.

Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

For this look, I wanted to style this thrifted denim mermaid skirt that my sister insisted I buy when were on our last thrifting trip together back in February. It was $3 at the Salvation Army thrift shop and I was super hesitant to buy it because mermaid style skirts don’t usually work that well on my frame. The fitting rooms were not yet opened so I couldn’t try it on. But it felt like a high quality denim and it was a really cute skirt so I figured it was worth the $3 to take a chance and step outside of my comfort zone a bit.

When I tried the skirt on at home, I was pleasantly surprised that it fit perfectly. It has a bit of stretch which always helps with fitted garments made from denim. Although this style still is not the most flattering on me, I could conceal the less flattering spots with my giant kimono. Since this kimono is so eye-catching in its own right, I figure you won’t be paying much attention to my lumps and bumps and weirdly accented parts hugged tight in a denim mermaid skirt.

Playing off the colors in the kimono and sticking with the whole mixed print idea, I added a pink tie dye long sleeve henley top and accessories in shades of teal, turquoise, and mint. My brown cowboy boots are also a newly acquired thrift shop find. They were $7 which is incredible for quality leather cowboy boots. I always check out the footwear when I go thrifting as cowboy boots are at the top of my list. I am on a mission to accumulate a fun and interesting collection of cowboy boots, both new and preloved. To date, I think I have 10 pairs of Western style boots in my closet.

Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Now let’s see how my stylish friends have gotten romantic in their ruffles.

Stylish Monday is a monthly series published in collaboration with a group of 14 international fashion and lifestyle bloggers. It is another opportunity to be creative with our personal style as we join together each month with a style prompt or theme. We also host a link party where anyone is welcome to add their personal style posts. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the party.

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

Elegance and Mommyhood
Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

“This lovely yellow dress has been in my closet for over a decade (it’s by Express). I wore it to our Florida vacation last year. Since the ‘challenge’ was all about ruffles and flounce I decided to go full steam with this fully-ruffled dress. It reminds me a little bit of the 20s from a century ago.”

Ada

Amy of Amy’s Creative Pursuits

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

“I always like it when clothing items have a little extra detail added to them. The ruffle on the bottom of this chambray skirt is flirty and fun! It wouldn’t be as interesting if it was just a typical A-line skirt.”

Amy

Andy of Pearls and Pantsuits

Pearls and Pantsuits
Andy of Pearls and Pantsuits

“I’ll confess, ruffles aren’t exactly my thing, since I don’t really need any extra fluff on my already fluffy pear shaped body! This top has a delicate ruffle detail around the wrist, and the floral print adds the touch of romance that is so big this season.”

Andy

Brigitte of Brigitte Marie Foret

Brigitte Marie Foret
Brigitte Marie Foret
Brigitte of Brigitte Marie Foret
Brigitte Marie Foret

“I love incorporating ruffles into my everyday looks, because they add a subtle femininity to any outfit. Ruffles possess the ability to transform any basic garment into an elevated statement piece. Whether worn during the week, or for a special occasion, ruffles are definitely an element of clothing that I enjoy wearing.”

Brigitte

Emma of Style Splash

Style Splash
Emma of Style Splash

“I love ruffles and frills – especially on blouses – because they add a bit of drama to an outfit. I bought this red one a few years ago in a sale and never get bored with it.”

Emma

Julie of Fashion Trends and Friends

Fashion Trends and Friends
Julie of Fashion Trends and Friends

“Ruffles add details and interest! I’m all about them both big and small. They make an impact and elevate an outfit!”

Julie

Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi

Lucy Bertoldi
Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi

“Ruffles are fashion’s way of telling you not to take styling too seriously-lighten up! Loving this ruffle theme-so freeing (and it also helps that this blouse is in my very favourite Spring colour)! “

Lucy

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style

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

“This is my beloved ruffle blouse. It’s an old one and I don’t wear it often, but those ruffles are so perfect to me. And I love the color combination and the kind of preppy look, but the punky feel that the blouse gives me. I need a black one too, of course. But this one, although it’s not my favorite color, has the perfect ruffles. The only thing that I need from a black blouse are ruffles at the cuffs! So if you happen to see one, give me a sign!”

Nancy

Nicole of High Latitude Style

High Latitude Style
Nicole of High Latitude Style

“I am not a ruffle person. Thus, this dress is just a tryout of the current trend. The plan was to cut the ruffle off if I wouldn’t like it. I am still undecided whether to cut or not to cut it off. What do you think?”

Nicole

Suzanne of Ask Suzanne Bell

Ask Suzanne Bell
Suzanne of Ask Suzanne Bell

“Flirty and fun, ruffles add a touch of femininity to any outfit, which is something I’m looking for these days. Whether it’s an extra flounce on a dress or skirt or a big ruffle on top, give it a try and enjoy a little extra spring in your step all day long!”

Suzanne

And Me!

Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

“I don’t have a lot of ruffled things in my wardrobe, but I do love the dramatic flounce that can often be found in kimono styles. Big flared bell sleeves and a wide flounce at the bottom of a mixed pattern kimono paired with a denim mermaid skirt seemed to fit the theme this month.”

Shelbee

Featured Favorite

Sabina of Oceanblue Style at Manderley shared her post, Forgotten Items in My Closet that Deserve More Attention. I am swooning over her coordinated pajama set that screams Everyday Luxe from head to toe. Such a cool look.

Oceanblue Style at Manderley
Sabina of Oceanblue Style at Manderley

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Stylish Mondays, ruffles, kimono, duster, denim skirt, mermaid skirt, thrifted style, cowboy boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Do you wear ruffles and flounce? Or maybe it’s just not your thing. But sometimes it is really fun to get fancy and step outside of your comfort zone.

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Outfit Details: Kimono-Torrid / Top-Old Navy / Skirt and Boots-Thrifted / Hat-Linda Gibbs Handmade / Belt, Necklace, and Earrings-Old

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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46 Comments

  • Joanne

    May 10, 2021 at 10:38 am Reply

    That kimono is so neat with the flounced hem and mismatched patterns! I do tend to have quite a few summer and spring shirts with a bit of ruffle on them and I too think of them as more romantic and dressy; usually wearing them for a date night.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 10, 2021 at 1:25 pm Reply

      Oh my gosh, Amy, thank you so much for that compliment! I do enjoy pouring my creativity into my outfits and wardrobe. I used to think it was vain, but now I realize that it is my primary method of self expression and that is a beautiful thing. And definitely not something that I should feel shame about. I love these style prompts and challenges and seeing all the different creative looks that we each come up with! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Ellie

    May 10, 2021 at 1:17 pm Reply

    Such great pattern mixing on the Kimono! I think it would also make a great cover up for a simple shorts and t-shirt outfit in the summer too! What a great buy and I think the skirt was a steal too! From seeing these pictures I acctually think it’s quite figure flattering!
    Thanks for co-hosting the linkup!
    Ellie
    Ellibelle’s Corner

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 10, 2021 at 1:20 pm Reply

      Ellie, thanks so much! I definitely plan to wear this kimono a lot this summer over cut off shorts and tank tops! Or even over my sundresses. I was definitely pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking this mermaid style denim skirt. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 11, 2021 at 10:35 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Jess! I had a feeling you would appreciate this fun kimono and the romance and ruffles theme. I hope you find your long denim skirt! My sister is the one who spotted this one in the thrift shop. And for the $3 price tag, I figured I would give it a try. If it didn’t work, I could just list it on Poshmark! Haha.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Suzanne Bell

    May 10, 2021 at 4:50 pm Reply

    Hi Shelbee!
    I’m so thrilled that you elected to participate this month because what a missed opportunity it would have been to share this fabulous look, it might be my favorite ever. From your hair to the steal you got on this denim skirt – everything about this look is some thing I want to try to re-create!!
    On a side note, you win for mastering the best format this month. It’s so readable and enjoyable!
    xx
    Suzanne
    http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 11, 2021 at 10:22 am Reply

      Aw, Suzanne, thank you so much for your kind words! I am super happy that I joined this month with this fun boho outfit! This is how I feel like my inner soul would dress and I look forward to seeing how you interpret the look into your personal style! I am sure it will be brilliant! Now to get myself into the fruity mood for next month!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Sheila (of Ephemera)

    May 10, 2021 at 8:25 pm Reply

    Ooh, I love this big swooshy kimono topper, Shelbee! It’s Drama with a capital D! I have so many ruffles in my wardrobe – I’m not quite sure how that happened, actually!

    Those cowboy boots are awesome. I am a fan of mermaid skirts – they work really well on my body for some reason. That denim skirt is solid, but do you find that high slit to be a tad revealing? 🙂

    Thanks so much for the link-up!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 11, 2021 at 9:53 am Reply

      Sheila, thanks so much! This kimono is definitely one of my favorites because of the drama! This is the only mermaid skirt I own as they are rather intimidating to me! But I laughed about the slit being too revealing…my first reaction when I read that was, “Oh no, did I flash my panties in some of these photos?!” And I had to go check to make sure! Haha. But no, the high slit doesn’t phase me. I wear super short skirts all the time that reveal much more! My legs are my very best feature and so I will show them off when ever I can! I hope you are having a wonderful week!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jacqui Berry

    May 10, 2021 at 8:40 pm Reply

    I love ruffles and your all look fabulous in yours. They really add interest to a look and lots of my jumpers and blouses have frills and ruffles. Thanks for sharing Shelbee. Jacqui x

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 11, 2021 at 9:47 am Reply

      Thank you, Jacqui! I am starting to appreciate ruffles a bit more these days and think I will be adding more to my closet. Ruffled blouses are at the top of my thrift shop search list! I hope you are having a wonderful week, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 11, 2021 at 9:41 am Reply

      Aw, thanks so much, Rena! I need to get my hair in tiny braids again! I really had fun with it styled this way. And this kimono is definitely a statement maker and one of my favorites in my large collection! I hope you are having a wonderful week, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lucy Bertoldi

    May 11, 2021 at 9:55 pm Reply

    That kimono is ruffle heaven!! I’ve never seen one this gorgeous! I love the shot of how it looks blowing in the wind! Spectacular! And the mermaid skirt is divne:) xx

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 12, 2021 at 10:04 am Reply

      Thank you so much, Lucy! I was super excited when I found this kimono on the Torrid clearance rack! I can’t remember what I paid for it but it was definitely under $20! And I imagine I will wear this one on repeat this spring and summer! Have a lovely day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Ada Furxhi

    May 11, 2021 at 10:51 pm Reply

    That long kimono duster with the oversized fun ruffled floral sleeves is gorgeous and I love it on you. It is perfect the way you styled it with all your bohemian pieces. Even-though you don’t own a lot of ruffles you did so good with this challenge, Shelbee. I was finally able to post. I had the most stressful Monday with doctor’s appointments and more appointments and worry!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 12, 2021 at 9:56 am Reply

      Ada, thanks so much, my friend! Boho styles really suit my soul! Although there are many facets of my soul so other style genres seem to suit my soul equally well! I will be over to read your post soon. I hope everything went well at your doctors’ appointments and you have less worry now! Sending positive thoughts and energy your way.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Julie Augustyn

    May 12, 2021 at 6:51 pm Reply

    Shelbee,

    I’m so glad you decided to participate this month because I love your kimono and wonderful denim mermaid skirt! The whole look is fabuously fun! I truly look forward to seeing your monthly interpretation of our themes!

    Julie xo

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      May 12, 2021 at 7:33 pm Reply

      Julie, thank you so much! I have so much fun with style prompts and themes! They have literally gotten me through this past year! And all of the ladies in this group are so fun. I love seeing all the different styles!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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