The Fab 40’s are Inspired by Water
“A drop of water, if it could write out its own history, would explain the universe to us.”
Lucy Larcom
April showers may bring May flowers but this whimsical little adage forgets to mention that May flowers require April showers for their very existence. In fact, we all depend upon water for our own survival and existence. And sometimes I feel like maybe we neglect the importance and the power of this element. It deserves respect and celebration as the powerful force of nature that it is as well as recognition for its life sustaining properties.
As we trudge through the early days of spring when it is still a little bit cold and a lot bit muddy trying to find our warm weather groove, this April theme chosen by Suzy seems to be perfectly timed for the season, for celebrating Earth Day, and for inspiring some really wonderful water-inspired outfits.
I think water is a very underrated element in our lives that we take for granted too often. But the power of water has been a thing that I have always respected and feared greatly. Growing up as a competitive swimmer, you would think that I would have no fear of water. And I don’t. When it is calmly confined within the walls of a swimming pool. Open water left to the whim of Mother Nature is an entirely different beast. A beast that demands our respect. It can take away life just as quickly and easily as it sustains it. And no one knows that better than a super strong swimmer who has been pulled beneath the ocean waves like a discarded rag doll more times that I care to remember!
But not only does water contain the power to give and take away life, it also possesses magical calming capabilities. I know when I get really stressed, nothing calms me quite like a hot bath or shower. I remember when my kids were really little whenever they were fussy I would plop them into a warm bath and it had an instant calming effect. To this day, whenever Archie is feeling not so great either physically or emotionally, his first course of action is to lie in a warm bath. I love that I taught him this wonderful coping mechanism at such a young age that it is deeply ingrained in his personal arsenal of coping mechanisms.
Water is a super special element in my life and will always be. I could go on and on talking about water from a million different angles…its power, its restraint, its ability to calm, its ability to cure and heal, the way it cleanses and renews, its mutability and transformative powers and every other quality that can be assigned to this element. But you know what? Right now I am not really feeling like it!
So let me tell you about my water inspired outfit instead. I recently scored these blue velvet joggers at my local consignment shop for $7. As soon as Suzy shared the water theme for April, I knew these pants would be my starting point because they really remind me of water so much. I toyed around with a bunch of different tops but ultimately settled on a thrifted turtleneck sweater in ivory layered beneath an old watercolor print kimono. I added bits of silver with my belt and shoes, seashell jewelry, and an ivory bucket bag. All things that spoke “water” to me. And of course, I had to venture down to the river to photograph my water inspired outfit by the water.
“It is life, I think, to watch the water. A man can learn so many things.”
Nicholas Sparks
“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”
Benjamin Franklin
“All water is holy water.”
Rajiv Joseph
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
“I shot this a couple weeks ago. Definitely you couldn’t wear this currently as it is freezing and we have snow on the ground.”
Ada
Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks
“Our weather has not been very cooperative at all. Maybe I should’ve just taken pictures of myself standing in the rain? Anyway, I chose this top because ‘April showers bring May flowers.’ And I’m hoping that after all the rain we’ve had lately, that we’ll have looooots of flowers.”
Daenel
Suzy of The Grey Brunette
“I bought the handbag especially for this theme. I completely fell in love with it and just had to have it! I had also seen the most amazing blue satin suit but I left it too long and now it doesn’t seem to be available. Gutted. It would have been the perfect outfit for this theme! So, instead, like Shelbee, I wanted to wear silver because water is iridescent and sparkly with pops of watery blue. Oh, and my earrings look like snowflakes but I forgot to show them in the photos. DOH! I took the photos by the swimming pool — great minds think alike, Shelbee lol!!”
Suzy
And me!
“I recently found these blue velvet joggers at my local consignment shop and I knew they would be the foundation for a water inspired outfit because they really do look like water, don’t they?! I added a thrifted ivory turtleneck sweater and an old watercolor printed kimono in shades of blue. The tassels kind of resemble water drops, too, I think. Silver accents (my shoes and belt) remind me of the iridescence of water. My seashell necklace and earrings seemed perfect for the water theme as well as my ivory bucket bag (because water gets carried in buckets). And then of course I headed down to the water to take my photos! And I was pleasantly surprised that the outfit looked even more watery in the photos than it did in the mirror. Yay water! Other than my new thrifted joggers and turtleneck, everything else is old and shopped from my closet.”
Shelbee
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.
“They both listened silently to the water, which to them was not just water, but the voice of life, the voice of Being, the voice of perpetual Becoming.”
Hermann Hesse
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Turtleneck and Joggers-Thrifted / Kimono-Shelbee’s Shoppe / Shoes-Nina (DSW) / Bag-Charming Charlie / Belt-Old / Jewelry-Gift from a friend / Sunglasses-Kate Spade
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.
40 Comments
Suzy
This turned out to be so much fun, didn’t it? I adore your velvet trousers and how you styled them! You look absolutely fabulous, and so peaceful down by the water. Water can be so peaceful and I love being near it—I love being in it too, if the temperature is right lol. I’m not very comfortable in the ocean though, there are too many things swimming beneath me! And big waves scare the bejesus out of me!! But sitting beside it and looking out to sea, or out at a lake or waterfall, well there’s nothing quite like it! One of my dreams is to live right by the sea. We used to have an apartment that was only 100 metres away from the cliffs and I used to love listening to it, especially when it was stormy! Gosh I have rambled on a bit haven’t I? LOL!!
Have a fabulous week, my friend!
Hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
This was so much fun, Suzy! Great theme choice! I love being near the water so much more than being in it! For all of those reasons really. Open water does scare the heck out of me, too. The waves and the slimy swimming creatures! I also am not a huge fan of sand! When it gets all stuck in our private places. Ick. Too abrasive for my delicate parts. Haha. That apartment of yours sounds like an amazing place to live!
I just styled a tie dye outfit in blue yesterday and took photos by the river again because the outfit was very watery! I might have to get that on the blog tomorrow as a follow up to this post! Have a fabulous week, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
LOL Shelbee, I think we’re actually soul sisters because I feel the same as you about water AND sand he he he he.
Can’t wait to see your tie dye outfit!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Suzy! I am heading over now to read your post!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
The shades of blue are so pretty!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I was really pleased with how these colors photographed. Have a wonderful weekn!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
that outfit looks great! I’m in my 40’s and would absolutely wear that! I love the water. I was a swimmer growing up. Not so much anymore but I do love to go for hikes in the woods always near a lake or pond. I always end my hikes near water because it is so calming. and as you said with baths, they too, are very calming indeed. Water has always played a special role in my life as well. It’s both beautiful and dangerous, Calming and erratic. Maybe that’s the whole point? Love your friends’ outfits too. You all look great!! #AnythingGoes
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Michelle, thank you so much for this wonderful comment! Water really is a very special force of nature, isn’t it? I am so glad that you stopped by today! I do love meeting new bloggers and your blog name has me sufficiently intrigued! Heading over now to stalk your posts. Haha. I hope you have an amazing week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
What a great look for this theme! The kimono is such a fabulous finishing piece and love it belted. Perfect seashell necklace too!
And you are so right about all aspects of water. All its powers (good or bad) are definitely underrated! I love being near any water, oceans, lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and I love listening to water themed meditation sounds. But I’m definitely not a fan of swimming in any open waters and will only just dip my toes into the ocean.
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ellie! I approach water in the same way as you! I love to be near it and hear its sounds and feel its soothing powers, but open waters scare the heck out of me so I am just a toe dipper, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Celyn
You look gorgeous! Loving your top and beautiful photos!
Life is a Shoe
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Celyn, thanks so much! Have a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Thats a great theme! I love to be near water or the sea, although I can’t swim at all. But just the sound of water…
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Nancy! I love to be near the water as well! I only have a river and a Great Lake near me though.
xoxo
Shelbee
Regine Karpel
So pretty. I love it. Happy Monday.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Regine, thank you so much! Have a wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cris Santos
Beautiful outfits and love the nature connection Have a lovely day Cris
http://www.photosbycris.com.au/?p=14593
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Cris, thank you so much! This was a really fun style prompt, for sure. I hope you have a wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking very nice there. It reminds me of the Bruce Lee quote: “Be Like Water”
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! We definitely should all try to be more like water! Bruce Lee was a very smart man!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashley
Absolutely love that this is inspired by water. I think sometimes we forget just how important of a resource is truly is, and something that is so necessary for all of us. You look beautiful in this outfit, friend!
Wishing you the brightest week ahead!!
Make Life Marvelous
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Ashley, thank you so much! I think it might be fun to use all of the elements as outfit inspiration! I am going to pitch that one out to the group for our upcoming posts. Have a fabulous day, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna Marcus
Great outfit, Shelbee. I live near famous Bondi Beach in Sydney and love the proximity of the ocean.
https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Anna! Oh, I bet it is so calming to live near the ocean!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ada Furxhi
I love that you made those joggers your starting point because I would have done the same thing. I also never knew that you styled a kimono over a turtleneck. I thought that watercolor tunic was one on its own. Love your choice of jewelry and accessories too. I see water everywhere in your outfit just like I saw on mine. A very well done outfit my friend. Earth’s turn is next!! YEAY!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ada! I really tried to pull some kind of water reference into every element of this outfit. It was fun! Everyone really did a magnificent job with this theme. I am so excited for the Earth theme next!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
I love this outfit! The kimono is so pretty, and I want to pet the joggers. I don’t think I’ve ever seen velvet joggers in person. Beautiful!
I’ve been meaning to tell you for weeks how much I like your new blog header.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Michelle! I so needed to update the look of this blog. I am really happy with the new look, too. I have one other pair of velvet joggers but they aren’t crushed velvet like these and they feel really weird to wear. The fabric sorts of catches on other fabrics like velcro. I don’t like it. The crushed velvet ones are much softer and more comfortable. And these are totally pet-worthy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
I just adore this theme and your outfit is spot on! We were out hiking this morning and I could hear water nearby and I was thinking to myself how calming I am when I hike near the rushing sound of water.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Joanne! I love hiking near the water, too, because it is so calming! I hope you have a wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
After seeing lovely Suzy, I immediately knew that you were doing the challenge too. I love this on you shelbee, you look ace. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Jacqui! I really like the way this outfit turned out, too! This was a fun prompt! We are going to move forward with each of the other elements for the next three months. It should be fun!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
You had me at “velvet joggers”, Michelle! These are amazing. I love the tunic too – very pretty. I think you captured water perfectly!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Sheila! These velvet joggers are so comfortable, too! I have a black pair that are awful. They stick to everything. I prefer the crushed velvet!
xoxo
Shelbee
Daenel T.
VELVET!!!!!!!!!! I. Love. VELVET. It’s seriously my favorite fabric. I have velvet curtains and blankets in my bedroom. It’s just so lush feeling.
Anyway, that top is pretty too. I have one similar, I’m gonna have to try it with a belt. I like how you styled it.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Daenel! I have always loved velvet as well. It is one of my favorite fabrics, too! Your velvet curtains and blankets sound so wonderful! I had an emerald green velvet comforter that was backed with gold satin when I was a teenager. My mother made it for me and I used until there was nothing left of it but fabric scraps and threads! So I understand the velvet love! I hope you have a lovely weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
Love those blues! This was such a neat theme for you all to style. Your joggers are just begging to be felt through the computer screen: they seem luxurious and soft!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hehe, thanks so much, Mireille! They are really soft joggers and way better than my other velvet joggers. I have a black pair that sticks to everything. We had so much fun with this theme and got such wonderful feedback that we are going to continue with the other three elements for the next three months. Would you like to co-host with us for one or all of them?!
xoxo
Shelbee
Grace
I absolutely love the theme of water! How fun and unique. You look so pretty in all this blue! Your top is really cute with its flowiness, just like water, and I really like how your pants look like a ‘pattern’ from afar even though it’s just the fabric.
Also, thank you so much for joining my linkup!
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Grace! I was really happy with how this outfit turned out! Water was such a fun theme that we decided to continue on with the other three elements for the next three months. It should be really interesting! Have a great day, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee