Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Style Imitating Art: Dining Room in the Country by Pierre Bonnard

August 11, 2021 / 44 Comments
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

About Style Imitating Art

Style Imitating Art is hosted by Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks, Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, and Terri of MeadowTree Style. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday, one of the hosts, acting as curator, selects an inspiration image that they will each post on their blogs. The following Monday, each host shares her art inspired outfit. Participants are invited to submit their art inspired outfits to the curator by 10:00 p.m. EST on the Tuesday following the hosts’ art inspired outfit posts. The following day, Wednesday, the curator will share all of the submissions on her blog.

You don’t have to be a blogger to join! You are invited to share your images on Instagram or other social media platforms! Just be sure to tag Salazar, Terri, and Daenel or use #TeamLOTSStyle and #StyleImitatingArt so the hosts know you have joined. Go have some fun in your closets and join the SIA challenge next week!

The Inspiration Artwork

The inspiration artwork was curated by Terri of MeadowTree Style. You can read why she has chosen this specific piece as her inspiration artwork here.

Dining Room in the Country by Pierre Bonnard (Oil on Canvas, 1913)

Style Imitating Art, Dining Room in the Country by Pierre Bonnard
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge, Dining Room in the Country by Pierre Bonnard

About the Artist: Pierre Bonnard

Pierre Bonnard was featured in this series back in March when our style imitated his Woman with a Dog. I am going to copy this section directly from that post.

Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947) was a French painter, illustrator, and printmaker who was known for his bold use of color and the stylized decorative qualities of his paintings. With his early works influenced by Paul Gaugin and Japanese artists, he was a leading figure in the art world as it transitioned from impressionism to modernism. Bonnard was recognized for painting landscapes, urban scenes, portraits, and intimate domestic scenes in which the colors and painting styles of the background usually took precedence over the subject of the painting.

During his early education, Bonnard show much talent for drawing, water colors, and caricatures as well as a strong interest in literature. He received his baccalaureate degree in the classics and eventually earned his license in law at his father’s urging. He began practicing law in 1888 and later that same year sold his first commercial work of art which helped to convince his family that he could make a career as an artist. At this point, he had already failed his examination for the official registry of lawyers leaving art as his only viable option to make a living.

Bonnard continued to make a living as an artist until his death in 1947. He finished his final painting, The Almond Tree in Blossom, one week before his death. If you want to learn more about this French painter, Eight Essentials to Know About Pierre Bonnard is a really great, concise, and informative article.

Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

About the Art: Dining Room in the Country by Pierre Bonnard

Dining Room in the Country is an oil on canvas painted in 1913 during Bonnard’s later years as he transitioned away from Impressionism and moved onto a bolder more simplified style of painting that incorporated inspiration from Japanese prints. While his style of painting evolved over time, he still remained true to his subject matter which continued to focus on scenes of domestic life all throughout his career. This painting is no different as it features Bonnard’s own dining room at his country house, Ma Roulotte, at Vernonnet on the Seine.

The painting includes images of cats perched on the dining room chairs around the table with a woman leaning on the windowsill. As was typical of many Bonnard works, his wife Marthe de Méligny was the model for Dining Room in the Country. Considering himself “the last of the Impressionists”, Bonnard placed great emphasis on the expressive qualities of a bright color palette applied with loose brushstrokes. The interior and exterior scenes represented in the painting are tied together through the door and large open window where Marthe is leaning. The forms in the painting are then connected by casting them in similar colors and hues. Unlike the Impressionists, Bonnard painted his scenes entirely from memory. And like the Symbolists, he wanted his subjective response to the scene to be reflected in his art.

This painting measures 64 3/4 x 81 in. (164.47 x 205.74 cm) and is currently part of the The John R. Van Derlip Fund at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

References/Resources:

Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

About My Outfit Inspired by Dining Room in the Country

When I first saw the curated art work for this week’s SIA prompt, I was struck by the gorgeous bold colors and the variety of different textures created with the brushstrokes. An outfit immediately came to mind that would be perfect to represent this painting…except I just shared that outfit two weeks ago for my quarterly Magnificent 8 collaboration when we recreated outfits found in magazines or ads. Not ever being one to take the easy way out especially when it comes to my favorite hobby, playing dress up, I went straight back to the drawing board.

The big block of bright orange on the dining room wall begged for a bold orange statement piece. Since I just styled my orange trousers in the Magnificent 8 post, I turned to my bright orange blazer last featured in June’s Stylish Monday Feeling Fresh and Fruity theme. Once I had decided on the orange blazer, I got stumped again. Each day I looked at the painting and thought of the next piece to add this outfit. So it was a super slow outfit planning process on this one.

The next part of the painting that caught my attention was the softer greens, pinks, and yellows that appear in the outdoor scene. I was soon reminded of this ditsy floral ruffle blouse in light neutral earthy tones. The print is very close to parts of the background and the style reminded me of something one might wear to dine in the country. With blazer and blouse picked out, the next thing I focused on was the green tones. With green being my forever favorite color, I was surprised at myself that I don’t have very much green for the bottom half of my body. And then I remember these green printed cropped trousers that were in my “too small to fit” bin. They’ve been in there for such a long time that after wearing them for this post, I realized they now have to moved to the “too big to fit” bin. I kind of like it when that happens!

The yellows in the background were still screaming at me that they needed to be represented and so I pulled out my yellow platform sandals last worn with a cute thrifted summer dress. I accessorized with a neutral woven belt, a wicker handbag, my green floral Michal Golan earrings, and a navy and white patterned headband. The headband came into play simply because I was enjoying mixing patterns that don’t have the same color palette. And then the perfect icing on the style cake is my twin fly brooches that my sister gave to me many years ago. I don’t know if I have ever worn these brooches before, but what is dining in the country without a few flies?!

Overall, I do not love this outfit mostly because everything is just too big on me, but I do love the combination of all the bright bold colors and the fun mix of prints. Even in my ill-fitted state, my outfit still made me smile. And we all know that a smile is the very best accessory any of us can wear. That is what can really make or break an outfit, in my opinion.

Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
I took a note out of Sheila‘s Big Book of Blogging and photographed all the stuff up close!
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
Style Imitating Art, orange blazer, pattern mix, print mix, summer style, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

To see more outfits inspired by Pierre Bonnard’s Dining Room in the Country, please visit Terri’s post for the complete roundup of submissions. You can also read the details of Terri’s own inspired outfit here, Daenel’s here, and Salazar’s here. Have you joined the Style Imitating Art challenges yet? Be sure to check for the next prompt on Monday, August 16, 2021.

In case you missed it, Trendhim is giving one of my readers a $35 gift voucher. I shared Jeff’s new Lemont Green Foldable Backpack from Trendhim that he used on our recent trip to Niagara Falls. This particular giveaway is limited to the continental United States. Use the entry form below for your chance to win. Entries will be accepted until August 23, 2021. The winner be announced and notified shortly thereafter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Outfit Details: Blazer and Belt-Torrid / Shirt-Old Navy / Shoes-Marc Fisher (TJ Maxx) / Handbag, Headband, and Pants-Super Old / Earrings-Michal Golan / Fly Brooches-Gift from my Sister

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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44 Comments

  • Suzy

    August 11, 2021 at 12:05 pm Reply

    You look fabulous, Shelbee. Even if each of the items in your outfit ended up being a little too big for you! I can see how each item corresponds beautifully to the painting too. Isn’t it funny how green is our favourite colour and both of us seem to be lacking in the wardrobe department for that very colour?
    I’d quite like to find some beautiful emerald green tones in velvet, perhaps or silk? Tops and bottoms!
    Huge hugs
    Suzy xxx

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 11, 2021 at 12:12 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Suzy! It is strange that I don’t own more vibrant shades of green. I have tons of olive green things though. I would love some emerald velvet and silk, too! I have an emerald velvet swing dress from a few years ago that I never wear because the crew neck style is not great on me. But I think I will figure out something for the dress this winter! But I also think that brighter shades of green just don’t appear with as much frequency as other colors when it comes to women’s garments. But I am always in the look out for it!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Suzy

    August 11, 2021 at 12:22 pm Reply

    Oh wow that swing dress sounds amazing! Is it because you have big boobs, you think the crew neck doesn’t look good on you???! I bet it does!!
    I know what you mean about the green though. I’m always on the look out too lol!
    Suzy xx

  • Terri Gardner

    August 11, 2021 at 2:13 pm Reply

    I think I mentioned in my roundup how much I love these color combinations. This total look looks fantastic. And I always love a good flat-lay; especially when there are so many great patterns and colors. Another Michal Golan fan!-I have a few of her things too.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 11, 2021 at 3:12 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Terri! This was such a wonderful inspiration piece this time. The colors and patterns were very inspiring. I have to get better at photographing flat lays but I usually forget! I am a HUGE fan of Michal Golan and have at least a dozen pieces from her. I had the opportunity to meet her in her studio a few years back and she is such an inspiring and very kind woman. It was a really cool moment for me. I was just thinking that I should a write a post all about her and share my pieces that I bought when I met her. I am going to add that to my list of blogging topics!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Michelle

    August 11, 2021 at 3:41 pm Reply

    You really captured all the major colors in the painting. I love this colorful outfit! Those cropped pants are so cute. I love the color and the print. Yay for their transition from the too small to the too big!

    It always amazes me how the impressionists can paint these weird blobs of paint and yet have it come out looking like…, well a cohesive painting.

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 12, 2021 at 12:33 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Michelle! It is a great day when the too small pants become too big! Haha. I was so happy with all of these bright colors together, too. This outfit made me smile! And I agree with you about Impressionist paintings. All blobby and stuff but still the scene is easily discernible and absolutely beautiful!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Marsha Banks

    August 11, 2021 at 4:06 pm Reply

    These style imitating art post always intimidate me. But, you’ve pulled it all together so beautifully! I never think of accessories being part of the mix. Love this look on you (even if it’s big)!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 12, 2021 at 12:29 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Marsha! Oh, you shouldn’t be intimidated by the art inspiration! It is really fun and totally open to your own personal interpretation. There is no right or wrong way to do it and it really allows you to approach your wardrobe in a new creative way. You should give it a try even if you end up not sharing the look!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 12, 2021 at 12:28 pm Reply

      Thank you, Kathrine! I am trying to get better at remembering to photograph all the pieces in a close up flat lay. I love the way those photos turned out! And I definitely need to pair these bright colors together again.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Amy Johnson

    August 12, 2021 at 12:12 pm Reply

    The color combo of this outfit is amazing…but you were inspired by a painting. I really love these colors together. And what a great place to photograph. You always find the best locations.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 12, 2021 at 12:22 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Amy! I really like this cheerful bright color combination, too. And I never would have paired them together if not for the colors of the painting inspiring me! I love this broken down little gazebo for photos. It is located back behind an old abandoned WWII tank factory in my town. I take lots of photos back in this area!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Sheila (of Ephemera)

    August 12, 2021 at 8:55 pm Reply

    Kudos on this wonderful outfit, Shelbee! I love the colours together so much, and I really think this is one of your most inspired outfits! Aw, thank you so much for the shout-out – I LOVE being able to see the details of outfits. I am squeeing over those fly pins! So cute and so perfect. You are like a summer field of flowers and tall grasses in this outfit. Love it!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 13, 2021 at 10:25 am Reply

      Hehe, thanks so much, Sheila! I kind of figured you might like my twin fly pins! And all the colors and prints. I am trying to remember to take the close up photos of all the things because our dear friend Anne M. Bray politely asked me to do it the way Sheila does! Haha. And who am I to ignore a blogger request?!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Joanne

    August 13, 2021 at 1:22 pm Reply

    I can definitely see where the painting insipired your color palette. I really like your outfit but I wouldn’t have thought that those colors and prints would go well together!

  • Kezzie

    August 13, 2021 at 10:27 pm Reply

    Shelbee, I must first apologise for not coming to visit in a while, especially after you have let m some lovely comments. I just seem to leave it too late to start leaving blog comments and then I end up not getting around to it as I avoid my computer!
    I ADORE this outfit- I love all the meaning behind it and colours work so nicely together! I ADORE the trousers- my favourite colour too! I’m surprised you aren’t so keen on it- I wouldn’t have noticed the pieces are oversized- perhaps I like Summer outfits a bit looser so it doesn’t seem an issue for me!
    Thank you for all the additional information too!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 14, 2021 at 10:26 am Reply

      Aw, Kezzie, thanks so much for this lovely comment! And no worries about the commenting. I understand that life absolutely gets in the way of all sorts of things! I actually did like this outfit a lot while I was wearing it. I felt very cheerful and vibrant. But I wasn’t thrilled with how it photographed! But you are right, a little looser fitting clothing isn’t all that bad. Especially in these darn heat waves we have been experiencing. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Chickenruby

    August 16, 2021 at 3:57 pm Reply

    Love how you’ve put this together and all the colours look great, shame it all didn’t fit as well as you’d have liked but it doesn’t look like that in the pictures.

    Thanks for linking with #pocolo and hope to see you back soon

  • Niki

    August 16, 2021 at 4:01 pm Reply

    Thanks for sharing with us on Traffic Jam Weekend! I love this post. I love learning!! My family think I’m such a dork, ha! I try to learn something new, yesterday it was about giraffes, and today Pierre Bonnard! The outfit looks great too. The good thing about wearing things that are too big, you get to show off any weight loss, lol! When I put on pants that are loose, I make sure to tell my husband to look how baggy they are!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      August 17, 2021 at 11:51 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Niki! I am such a nerd, too, and love learning something new every day! That is why I love these SIA posts so much. They help me to view my wardrobe in a more creative way and they give me reason to venture down some academic rabbit holes as well! Now I am curious to know what you learned about giraffes! And yes, it is happy day when your too tight clothes suddenly become too big and I am sure to make that known! Haha.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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