The Fab 40’s are Birds of a Feather
“Byrdes of on kynde and color flok and flye allwayes together.”
William Turner, The Rescuynge of the Romishe Fox (The Rescuing of Romish Fox) (1545)
I am sure most English speaking people are familiar with the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together.” I am also certain that most people who are familiar with the phrase understand its meaning fairly easily. Based on the observations of the many species of birds that flock together for safety and companionship, this saying translates to people who share similar interests, backgrounds, ideas, or characteristics and tend to form communities and congregations based on these shared ideals.
But I wonder how many of us really know where this saying originated. These are the things that interest me…origins of words and idioms and other popular phrases that we mindlessly toss out into the world without ever really knowing how they came to be. So once again, I am presenting you with a style theme as well as history lesson.
It was my turn to choose this month’s Fab 40’s theme and the old saying, “Birds of a feather flock together”, kept popping into my head for various reasons. While the Spring Equinox occurs at the end of March, I always feel like April is the true beginning of Spring. It is the time of year when I wake to the chirping of the birds outside. And despite my distaste, disdain, and fear of these evil winged creatures who dive bomb our heads and shit on our faces, these tiny flying beasts always symbolize springtime and new beginnings to me.
I will give you a quick side not about the face shitting birds. A few years ago while sitting in the park with Archie, a bird dropped a big one directly onto my face and head. Some of it even got in my mouth. It was one of the grossest things that I have ever endured in life! But they say it is good luck if a bird poops on you so I think after the literal face splat, I should have enough luck to last the rest of my life! (Hmmmm…now I think I need to go find out where that belief came from…bird poop is good luck?! What the hell?)
I also was drawn to this saying for our theme because of its meaning. This blogging community is so much about forming friendships and connections based on shared passions and interests that we are very much like birds of a feather flocking together in this one little corner of the internet.
But let me get back to the history of this phrase. Because when you put it in context, it really is quite fascinating. Common knowledge that we take for granted today was not always common knowledge. At some point in human history, people did not understand animal behaviors other than what they needed to know in order to capture food, I imagine.
William Turner was a 16th century reformer, physician, and natural historian who has been referred to as “The Father of English Botany”. He was also an herbalist and an ornithologist (a person who engages in the methodological study and consequent knowledge of birds with all that relates to them). Most contemporary interest in the work of William Turner is focused on these two fields of study. Interestingly, he was condemned for his work during his life by Henry VIII and Mary Tudor for sharing scientific information in layman terms for the public to better understand it.
In 1544, Turner published the first ever printed book dedicated entirely to birds, called Avium praecipuarum, quarum apud Plinium et Aristotelem mentio est, brevis et succincta historia (“The Principal Birds of Aristotle and Pliny…”). The book included all principal birds and bird names previously mentioned by Aristotle and Pliny the Elder except Turner added accurate descriptions as well as life histories of birds from his own extensive ornithological knowledge. Then in 1545, he published The Rescuynge of the Romishe Fox in which he coined the original saying that we use today…birds of a feather flock together.
William Turner was a fascinating man to read about it. It is shocking to me that the study of natural things for increasing the knowledge of all humanity was such a frowned upon thing just 500 years ago in the very long history of the human species. In 1543, Henry VIII issued a proclamation that limited the reading of the Bible to men of social standing. William Turner defied his monarch by questioning, “What kind of ungodly belly wisdom was it to say that ‘rich men and the nobles are wiser than the poor people?'” And so he set out to offer the knowledge and information that he gained to all people regardless of status or station. Turner was also a proponent of the transmutation of species centuries before the term even came to be as he accepted this evolutionary process as a commonplace event.
If you are interested in reading more about William Turner or the history of this well known idiom, here are a few sources that I used for this post.
- William Turner-Wikipedia
- Transmutation of Species-Wikipedia
- The meaning and origin of the expression: Birds of a feather flock together
- Grammarist: Birds of a feather flock together
- Know Your Phrase: Birds of a Feather Flock Together
Now onto my outfit. I had a million different ideas running through my head for styling this theme. And every single one of them failed miserably once I put them on my body. At the final moment, I resorted to this old swan print dress that was gifted to me from Eva Trends three years ago (you can see how I first styled it here.) I added my red tights to pick up on the tiny bit of red in the swan beaks. Also, red legs kind of reminded me of brightly colored bird legs! Over the knee boots were necessary to stay warm while wearing only one layer during this cold beginning of springtime.
I was satisfied enough with my outfit concoction and just as we were heading out to take photos, my newly purchased bra from Poshmark arrived in the mail. I was excited to see the pretty thing and tore open the package to check it out and accept the delivery so the seller would receive their funds. But when I opened it, there was no bra inside! Apparently the seller mixed up the shipping labels and sent this adorable red fascinator/hat adorned in black and red feathers. It was the perfect completer piece to finish off my feathery inspired outfit and so I borrowed it for a few minutes before notifying the seller and Poshmark of this very serendipitous mistake!
“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.”
Emily Dickinson
And now let’s have a look at my fabulous friends and how they have interpreted this month’s theme. Be sure to click on their photos or links to go read additional details about how the theme inspired their outfits.
The Fab 40’s is a group of four fashion bloggers from around the globe. Each month we choose a different theme with the goal of taking on style trends and showing how we each interpret and incorporate them into our own lives. With four widely varied views, you are certain to find something that speaks to you each month and encourages you to continue to have fun with fashion after the age of 40.
Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood
How perfectly adorable is Ada’s bird sweater to welcome in Spring? I really love this cute casual look with olive skinny jeans and black ballet flats!
Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks
The way Daenel interpreted this style prompt is absolutely genius…twinning with her twin sister! Aren’t they so both so beautiful?! And how fun that Daenel’s sister joined the fun!
Suzy of The Grey Brunette
I want Suzy’s entire outfit! I am absolutely in love with her feather knit sweater and feather bag! And how stinking cute is her hair all crimped?
And me!
A swan print and a feather fascinator will do just fine!
We are still looking for a few more bloggers in their 40’s who may be interested in joining this group either on a permanent basis or as a guest blogger appearing only occasionally with us. If you are interested, please feel free to let us know either in the comments or through email! We would love to expand this group by adding a few more members for some additional style diversity.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Shop my look…(Everything was shopped from closet except my “borrowed” fascinator).
Outfit Details: Dress-c/o EvaTrends / Tights-Sock Dreams / Boots-Unisa / Earrings-c/o Zaful / Bag-Kohl’s / Feather Fascinator-“Borrowed” from Poshmark
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
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.
28 Comments
Michele Morin
I loved the red tights.
And a dear friend had an antique store called Birds of a Feather. A fun and funky little shop.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Michele! That sounds like a lovely little antique shop! I hope you have a wonderful week.
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
OMG how I really LAUGHED OUT LOUD when I read this comment, “And despite my distaste, disdain, and fear of these evil winged creatures who dive bomb our heads and shit on our faces”!!!!!!! This is so hilarious, Shelbee! But I can see why you feel that way after having been shit on lol! I’m so sorry for laughing!
I ADORE your outfit, especially with the addition of the red tights. You look stunning.
Hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Haha, thanks so much, Suzy! I have always had a disdain for birds since very young childhood. I shared a post last year about the origins of my avian disdain which you might get a kick out of! This was such a fun theme. I love how varied our interpretations were! I hope you have a fabulous week ahead, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
How well you’ve all tackled this theme, well done you too Shelbee – love the dress. Thanks for sharing your fabulous looks today. Jacqui xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jacqui! This was a really fun theme because it was so open to interpretation! I hope you have a fabulous week.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
Thanks for the history lesson!! I also love your dress!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I do love a good history lesson! Have a fabulous week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
Love this!! I need that dress!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks, Tamar! It is a fun and super comfortable dress!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
Good info about William Turner, it is crazy to think of how much wasn’t allowed back then, let’s just hope that part of history never repeats itself!!!
Yeah, I had a bird poop on my forehead a few years ago, so disgusting but I do love those winged creatures!
Fabulous outfit and what a fun headpiece you received even though by mistake! It’s a perfect finishing piece for this outfit!
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ellie! I have really been fascinated by history this past year more than ever. It helps keep a proper perspective. Although the world may seem like it has lost its mind, we are making forward progress…no matter how small it may seem at times. Oh, and bird poop is like the grossest thing. It’s all sandy and slimy! No one deserves on or near their face or head! Bleck!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
Thanks for sharing all this background info. So interesting. Sorry about the bird poop incident. Didn’t know that was good luck. We have a bird so I have tons of luck coming my way. Lol! Love your dress and fascinator!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! Now I have to go research where the idea of bird poop being lucky came from! Haha. My mother always told me that but I don’t think I have ever looked up where it originated. Maybe she made it up herself to make me feel better when birds pooped on me! The internet will bring me answers, I am sure.
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
You always share such interesting facts! I can’t believe the timing of receiving the wrong order: it completes the outfit! I also love the idea of red tights for red bird legs! Well done!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Mireille! The red bird legs made me giggle! Isn’t it fabulous how this feather fascinator came into my possession for just a brief perfectly timed moment? I have to return it to its proper owner today! But it made the seller feel great when I shared my serendipitous story with her. She was really upset that she goofed up our orders, but I think my post made her feel much better about it! And I will have my bra in a few days along with some fun photos to remember this feathery fascinator!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashley
Absolutely love this outfit, Shelbee! Also, enjoyed reading about the history behind the phrase. I had no idea!
Wishing you the brightest week ahead, my friend!
Make Life Marvelous
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ashley, thank you so very much! It was fun to research the origins of this popular phrase. I hope you are having a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking very nice. I love how the skirt and the boots tease the red tights. Very nice.
I actually taught about William Turner when I was co-teaching a science class and about the science of the era. It always amazes me about how the powers back then wouldn’t allow science. Sometimes I wonder if we haven’t gone back to those days with the way people don’t give a hoot about science.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! I love the way you phrased that first part! It made me smile! It is so amazing to me how very much social, financial, and political status effected what people were “entitled” to back then. The evidence of these social and class structures are still so very apparent today centuries later. But I do believe that we are always moving forward as we make progress as a species…but sometimes that progress is much slower than we would like. At least it’s still progress, right?
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
You look so cute!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lizzie!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
I love the historical linguistics lesson, Shelbee, thank you! This would be a very tricky theme – most of us don’t have feathers in our wardrobes, I’d think (I have some earrings, a necklace…oh, and used to have a stunning peach strapless dress trimmed with feathers: https://sheilaephemera.blogspot.com/2015/12/visible-weekend-fringed-suede-and-peach.html). I have 3-5 fascinators with feathers on them, though, and I’m surprised that you don’t have one!
I love the swan dress and the black/red theme going on here. The other ladies look amazing!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Sheila! You know I love to share random history lessons! And I actually do have a few fascinators with feathers but the styles and/or colors just were not working with this dress…which is okay because the universe delivered me the perfect fascinator for this outfit! Sadly, I shipped it off to its rightful own today. But I might go check out that Poshmark shop to see if she has more!
xoxo
Shelbee
Karen
This is such a lovely look, Shelbee – typical of you as far as any look can ever be typical of you when you are so wonderfully eclectic! The red rights are inspired!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Karen! I often wonder what others perceive as a “typical Shelbee look” so that was wonderful to read! I hope you are well, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Well you know I am a big fan of black and red together! I love this outfit! (Even if I am late getting to the post.) Cool you could borrow the hat for a moment, making lemonade from lemons. Perfect for the outfit.
And I enjoyed learning about William Turner. Very brave standing up to Henry the VIII who was into cutting people’s heads off – well at least female heads.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! This dress is a super dark shade of navy so it can be tricky sometimes to accessorize. I tend to just wear black and navy with it at the same time! And those royals from back then…my word, they were brutal! I have been reading a lot about the French Revolution recently which was when the guillotine was invented and became the preferred, and often only, method of execution. It was actually created as a more humane way to execute people and was expanded to the lower classes who previously were subjected to much harsher forms of execution (like stoning). During the French Revolution, there were hundreds of thousands of people beheaded by guillotine. And the fact that executions were a huge public display that drew large crowds of spectators is so disturbing! I like to think that we have evolved a lot since the 1790’s, but I think we probably haven’t come as far as we should by this point. Sorry to get so gruesome! I hope you have a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee