The Fab 40’s are on Fire
“Set your life on fire, seek those who fan your flames. ”
Rumi
The Fab 40’s are back and we are continuing our theme of outfits inspired by the elements. This is the third post in our elemental series. You can see how we styled Water and Earth by clicking on the links. When we began this series of elements, we were a group of four so we each chose which element best represents us. This month Daenel chose the theme of Fire. For July, we will be styling Air which is my zodiac element. But before we get to our fiery outfits, I am very excited to welcome Mireille of Chez Mireille to our little group of 40-something bloggers. She is joining us for the first time this month as a permanent member and so now we are a group of five.
However, 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 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.
“Fire is a natural symbol of life and passion, though it is the one element in which nothing can actually live.”
Susanne Katherina Langer
Now let’s talk about fire. In the Greek and Roman traditions on the four classical elements, fire represents energy, assertiveness, and passion. Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus asserted that fire is the most fundamental of all the elements, believing that the other three elements are born from fire. Known for his obscure philosophical principles and speaking in riddles, Heraclitus believed that fire gives birth to the other elements in an upward-downward path. He called this phenomenon the “turnings of fire” and explained it as series of transformations where fire splits in half and the sea is born, half of the sea becomes earth, and half of earth becomes air.
He regarded the soul as a mixture of fire and air with fire being the noble part of ourselves. He believed that our souls strive to be rid of air and become pure fire because a dry soul is purer than one that has been tainted by worldly pleasures (which apparently make our souls moist). Regardless of ancient beliefs about the elements, all four exist in our world in absolute harmony. Fire, just like the other three elements, is a symbolic representation of something helpful and necessary when controlled, but a force much more powerful than us when left uncontrolled.
“It is one thing to touch a flame and know it is hot, but quite another to jump into that flame and be consumed by it.”
Adyashanti
Now onto my outfit inspired by fire. While I found it fairly easy to style outfits for the first two elements in this series, Water and Earth, I struggled a bit with the Fire theme. I recently picked up a really cute shirt with embroidered lightning bolts on it that I considered styling for this post, but my mind kept taking me to my Fireside Collective tee shirt, for obvious reasons. I mean, it has the perfect flame prominently displayed on my chest to represent fire in all of its beauty and splendor.
Since I couldn’t get my brain off my Fireside tee, I decided to just roll with it. Then I started considering all the colors that we see within a flame. Fire consists of red, orange, blue, yellow, or white depending on the temperature and the substance being burned. Red is probably the most common color associated with fire, so I went for my favorite thrifted red satin slip skirt and my red cowboy boots. I needed some kind of topper piece for this outfit and the colors in this thrifted LulaRoe kimono were all the fire colors including the little strikes of blue in the print. I added my new white cowboy hat to represent the white of a flame, but also because it matched the whole vibe of my outfit and I was a having a bad hair day that needed some hiding underneath a hat.
“Isn’t there in every human soul…an initial spark, a divine element, incorruptible in this world, immortal in the next, that good can bring out, prime, ignite, set on fire and cause to blaze splendidly, and that evil can never extinguish?”
Victor Hugo
I was really pleased with the whole summer bluegrass festival vibe of my outfit. Now I just need to get to another festival or at the very least a few outdoor concerts this summer. I need more outdoor music around a fire pit to sooth and reinvigorate my soul. I am so ready for the world to come back to life again. Maybe Heraclitus was right, new life is born from fire and our world has certainly been a burning inferno for the past year and a half. I am curious and excited to see what new life comes from these flames.
And now let’s check out how my fabulous friends styled their Fire-inspired outfits.
The Fab 40’s is a group of five 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 five 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
Ada is looking radiant in her vibrant fiery red dress. I think we all had the color red in mind when we created our outfits and I am just loving how this shade exudes passion and life.
Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks
Daenel only has bits of red in her primarily orange and black patterned tunic. But how appropriate are orange and black to represent fire as well? I love this earthy bohemian outfit on Daenel. It really speaks to who she is and showcases her creative style in the most wonderful way.
Mireille of Chez Mireille
Mireille’s combination of red and yellow really makes me smile. She looks like a flame in her blazing red dress with her yellow beret. And then she stood on her fire pit to make it look like she is the actual fire! I love her creativity so much for this theme. Welcome aboard, Mireille! We are so excited to have you in our little group.
Suzy of The Grey Brunette
Suzy went for a sassy off the shoulder red maxi dress that takes the meaning of flaming hot to a whole new level! Isn’t she stunning in this dress?!
And Me!
And then there is me…all countrified in my bluegrass festival look. But you know what they say about cowgirls? Do you know? Because I don’t really know but I think cowgirls are basically a fiery sort!
What is your favorite element? Would you consider styling an outfit inspired by the elements? You can find so much inspiration in the natural world. It quite literally surrounds us!
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Tee Shirt-Fireside Collective Band Shop / Skirt and Kimono-Thrifted / Boots-c/o Country Outfitter / Hat-Burlington Coat Factory / Earrings-c/o Rosegal
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.
30 Comments
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
Love your graphic t! Have a great week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tamar! Fireside Collective is so amazing! I will wear their tee and spread the word for always!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I love your skirt!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jennifer! This is definitely one of my most worn thrifted pieces!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Oh, that’s a very good skirt, what a gorgeous color! Lovely theme! I need some entertainment too, and I am almost,,safe,,! But we don’t have any events here!! No concerts no food truck festivals or whatever! Ah well, I will just enjoy the summer!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! I wanted to link the other posts where I styled this skirt, but I got frustrated trying to find them! It is a really good skirt. One of my most worn thrifted items I think! That is rotten that you have no summer events coming up but I do love your attitude to just enjoy the summer time anyway! I was trying to find some things to do with the kids over the next few weeks and weekends and there really isn’t much going on around here either. I think the festival from last weekend was one of the few that happened this year. Most of the other ones I was tracking were all canceled again. There’s always next year!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
What a fun fire inspired look! The slip skirt was a great choice and it’s so perfect paired with the flame print t-shirt! Hope you get to attend another outdoor festival soon, or at least a concert!
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ellie! I definitely felt in my element in this outfit! Actually, that just reminded me of a silly little connection…the newest Fireside Collective album is title Elements! Ha. I should edit my post and add that in! I hope I can get to at least one more outdoor music venue this summer, but so many have canceled before summer even began. Oh well, there’s always next year!
xoxo
Shelbee
CottonNutty
Omg! Those red boots are amazing! Where did you get them? I want those!
#Creative Mondays Link-Up
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much! These are definitely my favorite pair of cowboy boots in my ever growing collection! I actually got these a few years ago through a brand collaboration with Country Outfitter. I can’t find the exact boots anymore but the brand is Corral and they have some pretty amazing embroidered boots.
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
I cannot wait to share my Air pictures: I had a lot of fun with the theme! Anyhow, love your outfit and I am going to have to replicate in some manner or form. I don’t wear my cowboy boots often enough and I really think I could come up with something like this with what I have. Love how all the outfits are different (granted Ada’s and I are similar but that often happens with the 2 of us). So fun to see how creative we get.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.cm
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mireille! I am so excited that you are on board with us for this group! I have really been wanting to grow it. I would absolutely love to see your cowboy boots styled! I think I have only paired mine with a long skirt like this a few times, but I really liked the way it turned out. Everyone really did such a great job with the fire theme! I am super excited for air as well. I have a few ideas rolling around in my head, but I probably won’t photograph it for a few weeks. I hope your week has started out well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire
Oh wow, I love red and everyone’s outfits, great post-Shelbee 🙂
You have really set me off wanting some boots like yours, now though. Love them and I can see myself wearing these. Beautiful skirt too 🙂
Thanks so much for linking up to #CreativeMondaysLinkUp
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Claire! These are my favorite cowboy boots in my small collection! I want to add more that even more unique, but cowboy boots can be a very expensive habit! I hope you find your perfect pair!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
Woo, I love that red satin slip-skirt, Shelbee! It’s just the perfect touch of softness with the cowboy boots. I like that you incorporated blue and white as fire colours. Awesome!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Sheila! I tend to get fairly literal sometimes with these challenges and so I had to go for all the colors of fire! And I do like to combine unlikely pieces like a satin slip skirt and cowboy boots! I hope your week is off to a great start!
xoxo
Shelbee
Renee Open
If I were a style blogger, I’d be in for sure! The series is a cool idea and you ladies are lovely!
I so appreciate the research you put into your posts. Not only do I like you for our life style connection but I respect you for the quality content you create, and you deserve all the following you have.
Looking forward to catching up soon!
Coming to you from the #AnthingGoes link party this week (he he he) 😉
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Renee, my friend, thank you so very much! Maybe you should add a little style section to your blog! Hehe Let’s shoot for a video chat next week if you can!
xoxo
Shelbee
Di
Love your interpretation of fire and the inspired outfits of all of the participants of the group! Your cowgirl outfit is so fun and playful and those embroidered boots are just fabulous! One of my favorite colors to dress in and to use for accessories is the color red. It fits-my zodiac element is fire. Hope you all have a great week, and thanks for sharing!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Di! Red is such a powerful colorful and one that I love to accessorize with as well. In fact, my newest post features a black and white dress with red accessories. I am really enjoying learning more about the classical elements of the zodiac through this little series. I hope you have a great week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna
I love your Fire inspired outfit, Shelbee. I think you embraced the challenge very well by adding your own personal tak on it. As a result, you look great and your boots are divine
https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Anna, thank you so much for this lovely compliment. I do love a good style challenge and try to get as creative as I can with them!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rena
Shelbee,
You’re a right and proper redneck woman in that get-up (and I mean that in a Gretchen Wilson way as opposed to any other way it might be interpreted). The whole look is HOT, HOT, HOT! A brilliant representation of fire.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Rena! I don’t know any other way one could interpret such a lovely compliment!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking like a sweet cowgirl. Very nice.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! I definitely have a little bit of cowgirl in my soul!
xoxo
Shelbee
Daenel T.
What a great look. I always love when you use graphic tees in your looks because I always think I NEED TO TRY THIS, but I still keep going back to my ol’ standby: tee and jeans.That skirt is pretty fab too! I love the shimmer — it makes me think flames.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hehe, thanks, Daenel! I do love graphic tees and have quite an extensive collection of them. I love styling them in unexpected ways! You definitely should give it a try. I am certain you will come up with something brilliant!
xoxo
Shelbee
Chickenruby
I’m loving the colour combination and I can’t wait to get my Doc Martin burgandy boots back on. Thanks for linking with #pocolo
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Suzanne! Ooh, burgundy Doc Martens sound wonderful! Have you seen their new line of sandals? I am dying for a pair!
xoxo
Shelbee