The Fab 40’s Start with a Necklace
I don’t know where or when I first saw it. But I remember it catching my attention with all the force of lightning striking my sartorial sensitivities. I want to say it was Sarah Jessica Parker whom I saw first, but it may have been Diane Keaton. Or maybe both simultaneously. That seems about right. Both women have been style trailblazers for so many. And while following their iconic lead may be overdone and completely trite these days, I don’t much care. I like what I like and what caught my eye and my heart was the dramatic overloading of layers upon layers of pearls.
One of my favorite ways to load on the pearls is by creating a contrast between the formal style of this traditional necklace with the super casual vibe of ripped denim and graphic tee shirt. Add in sleek stilettos, a sequined clutch, and a tailored blazer to keep the dressy pearls company and while the style could appear to be somewhat confused, it catches the eye of viewers and leaves them wondering, I suppose. And I do like to keep people wondering.
When dear Suzy chose this month’s Fab 40’s theme as “building an outfit from a necklace”, I knew immediately that I would be creating something that incorporated the above named elements. It was just a matter of choosing which graphic tee, which ripped denim, and which fancy heels would be partnered with my ever growing collection of pearl strands.
Some of the pearls I am wearing are real but most are not. A few of the single strand necklaces were given to me by my mother over the years and I have maintained them in constant rotation for as long as I have had them, dating as far back as 25 years. I often scope out consignment and thrift shops for inexpensive pearl strands because the more the merrier when it comes to these shimmering white beads. Long, short, multi or single stranded, if they appear to be of decent quality for the right price, I generally bring them home with me. What I am wearing in these photos is probably only about half of my pearl collection, but quite honestly, they were becoming a bit heavy so I had to cut it off somewhere. Plus I didn’t want to completely hide my Beatles All You Need is Love graphic tee.
Pearls have long been viewed as symbols of wealth, prestige, modesty, and chastity due the nature of their formation as well as their uniqueness when compared to all other precious gemstones. Ancient Chinese cultures even considered pearls to contain magical properties from the moon (because they looked like tiny little moons) that could protect the wearer from the dangers of fire and dragons. Now I won’t even pretend that I am wealthy, prestigious, modest, or chaste, because I am not in the least bit any of those things. Yet I have forever been drawn to the pearl’s magical way of making me feel fabulous. And when I pile them on, I do most definitely feel like I can ward off the dangers of all the fire and dragons that life may throw my way.
When I put on all the pearls, I feel strong, commanding, confident, and powerful. They also make me feel feminine, beautiful, and sexy. And when you combine all those feelings into one, these pearls of mine sort of represent my battle armor for the day. If I can carry the weight of a million pearls around my neck and still stand tall and proud, I can pretty much do anything. There is an empowering effect behind the pearls. So whether you choose to wear a single pearl, a single strand of pearls, or a cascading bounty of these little white gems, you are tapping into an ancient magic of sorts that will make you stand taller, hold your head higher, and go forth into the day with a untapped self confidence that will bring down barriers and get things done.
Now let me get on to my amazing friends of The Fab 40’s. The Fab 40’s is a group of six fashion bloggers from around the globe. Each month we choose a different theme and invite a guest blogger who is also in their 40’s to join us. This group’s goal is to take on a style theme and show how we each interpret and incorporate it into our own lives. With six 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.
Suzy of Suzy Turner Books & Style chose this month’s theme so let’s start with her. And because Suzy and I often think alike on style challenges, I am not surprised that she has also combined elements of the sophisticated with that fabulous tuxedo blazer and sparkling silver bib necklace with the edgy cool vibe of black trainers on her feet. I am all googly eyes for this look!
Outfit Details: Jacket-George at Asda/ Black trousers-Zara / Vest-H&M / Trainers-Skechers / Clutch-inherited / Necklace-so old I can’t even remember
Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks is next, staying always so true to her bohemian style with boyfriend jeans, a super cool top, and killer boots. A statement necklace with all the feel of a earthy gal is the starting point for this perfectly constructed outfit.
And then there is Dee of Dee Sayz showcasing a stunning black bauble necklace with the most brilliantly exotic long tunic layered over gorgeous wide legged pants. This outfit would most certainly turn my head as I am sure it would just about anyone who passed by Dee.
Outfit Details: Black Tunic-Zara / Olive Green Palazzo Pants-Flea Market / Pumps-Zara / Bag-Forever21 / Necklace-Local Shop
Next is Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots styling a bold tassel necklace that remains true to her eclectic style of boho casual chic. The autumn tones, the flared denim, the amazing cardigan, and the cozy boots make me want to snuggle in front of a fireplace with a hot apple cider in hand and engage in stimulating conversations with fascinating people.
Outfit Details: Cardigan-Questions / Tank-Loft / Jeans-Lee / Necklace-Kay & Star / Earrings-Hammered Love Letters / Boots-Lucky Brand
Then there is Sheela of Sheela Writes. She came out in all the sparkles with matching statement necklace and clutch and these show stopping sequined pants. So cool and perfectly for drool worthy.
Outfit Details: Everything-Thrifted (Good for you, Sheela!)
And finally me. I have worn many versions of this outfit. It is simple to create an endless variety of this style with the multitude of graphic tees and denim in my closet. And I always feel fabulous when I wear it.
Outfit Details: 5 Necklaces-2 are from Charming Charlie, 1 was Thrifted, 2 were handed down from mom / Pearl earrings-Unsure / Graphic tee and jeans-Torrid / Blazer-NY&Co (Thrifted) / Shoes-Payless / Belt-BedStu / Clutch-Target
Do you have a favorite necklace? One that has the power to transform and make you feel unstoppable?
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Shop my outfit…
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.
36 Comments
Kellyann Rohr
The power of pearls! You can never go wrong with them and when in doubt just keep piling them on – they get better and better! Love this look Shelbee!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Kellyann! I may have to quote you with that one… “When in doubt, just keep piling on the pearls.” Watch my IG for some version of that quote! Of course, I will give you credit!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellibelle
You look fabulous in this outfit. The elements you chose are so different but they compliment each other so well. A really fun look and also loving the photo location!
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ellibelle! It is one of my favorite ways to style pearls. And we sort of just stumbled upon this graffiti decorated alleyway in town and I was immediately sold!
xoxo
Shelbee
FancyBoy
I adore the multi-strand pearl look— I love pearls. You look incredible.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Becky, thank you so very much! I hope your week is off to a fabulous start!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennie
Love, love, love this look!!! This is definitely one after my own heart and similar to what I will often wear on casual Fridays – minus the distressed jeans. You know I am all about throwing on all the pearls and a bit bling! I also enjoyed reading more about the significance of pearls and their history.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jennie, thanks so much! I almost always wear distressed jeans and a tee shirt since I started working from home. If I leave the house, I like to feel put together and the easiest way to transform my stay-at-home outfit is to throw on all the fancy jewelry and some killer shoes. It’s like a magical transformation of sorts! Then I like to plead that I am merely wearing jeans and a tee shirt. Haha. This was such a fun theme this month. Everyone created the most fabulous outfits around their necklaces.
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
I have a few pearl items but not really necklaces. Love the juxtaposition of the daintiness of the pearl and the edginess of the rest of your outfit! And pretty funny that they were getting heavy!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mireille! After the photo shoot, I came home to start working and as I sat down at my computer, I was like, “Sheesh, there is so much weight around my neck!” I had to go take them all off so I could sit comfortably!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking too cute. Very nice.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Patrick! I hope your week is off to a great start!
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
The funny thing is I was JUST analyzing my necklaces and saying to myself that I needed a longer pearl necklace so I could layer them!! Are you in my mind, girl??
Love this,
XOXO
Jodie
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Jodie! That is so funny! I love it! I need to look for more pearl strands when I am out thrifting. So many of mine have broken over the years. And I end up putting them in zip lock baggies in the drawer of my jewelry armoire because I am “going to fix them”! Hahaha. They have been sitting there for years, unfixed!
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire
Love this look. Your jeans look great with the fishnets under 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by the linky party #TheWeeklyLinkUp
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Claire, thank you so much for your kind compliment! Have a great day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amber
I am absolutely loving how you layered your pearls with this outfit!
I hope you are having a fabulous week so far!
AvecAmber.com
Follow Avec Amber on Bloglovin
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Amber, thank you so much! Piles of pearls are my absolute favorite! Have a wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
Shelbee, there is nothing I wouldn’t want to wear in your outfit (apart from, perhaps the killer heels purely because I just can’t anymore lol!). You look freaking amazing! Like Madonna in the 80s, only WAY better. I love how you styled the pearl necklaces – several of them at once is fabulous. I do see the inspiration from Sarah Jessica ane Diane Keaton (Diane’s style is simply the best, right?) and you’re inspiring me to do the same. I have a couple of beautiful pearl necklaces that I inherited from hubby’s late stepmother but I never really feel right in them. But perhaps it’s because I need more of them!!
Big hugs my lovely friend
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Suzy, thank you so much! I am seriously blushing right now! And I am a little bit jealous that you have a collection of inherited pearl necklaces. So they are probably all vintage, right?! Oh, pile those beauties on, my friend. It will be spectacular! And what a great theme you chose this month. Every killed it in the most amazing way!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
I have never been a fan of torn jeans (unless I’ve put the rips there myself from long use), but I may have to re-think that. I love these with the fishnet stockings underneath. Now that is fab! I also love your layers of pearls. As a jewelry designer, I love the concept of creating an outfit around a piece of jewelry. A really fun and fabulous outfit!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Michelle, thank you so much! I went through a phase where I thought ripped jeans were silly! And now I am obsessed and the more dramatic the distressing, the more I love it! These jeans actually have the fishnet attached which is nice because then I don’t have the extra layer of stockings. But I have worn lace tights and such under ripped jeans before, too, which looks super cute. And the jewelry you create is so stunning and makes such a statement that it completely lends itself to be the basis from which to build an entire outfit!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sincerely, Jennie
Fun! I wore pearls for my Halloween costume and thought, why don’t I wear these more often?
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jennie! Yes, definitely wear your pearls more often than just for Halloween! Have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Daenel T.
Shelbee!!! I heart this look. I have several pearl necklaces that I only wear layered together {I also pair them with a couple of silver chain necklaces}. I don’t know why, but pearls always make me feel very rocker girl. LOL And that’s the vibe I’m getting from your outfit. So perfect.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Daenel, thanks so much! Loads of pearls are very rocker girl-esque, aren’t they? Suzy compared me to Madonna! Yay! Everyone did so great building an outfit from a necklace. So much fun!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna Shirley
This is an amazing look, Shelbee. Like Suzy mention before me, it reminds me of Madonna too. I love this look. The contrast between posh pearls (real or fake) and ripped jeans and a graphic t-shirt done the magic. And the black blazer to link everything together.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Anna! I do like to combine unexpected elements to create something unique and interesting. And I just like having fun with my clothes!
xoxo
Shelbee
Leelo
That necklace! Beautiful! I love how you styled it!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Leelo!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica
Love the red envelope clutch with this outfit, such a fun accessory! I like the layered pearls too! I have two pearl necklaces I like to wear together but I’ve never tried more than that – need to expand my pearl necklace collection, haha!
Thank you so much for joining the #weekdayWearLinkUp 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mica! You should totally start adding to your pearl necklace collection. The more the merrier!
xoxo
Shelbee
Chrissy
Classy. Pearls are classy and feminine, no matter what we style them with, right? I love that you chose a graphic tee and the distressed jeans. Also love the fun “Shelbee” touch with the tights underneath. 😉 Oh! And great backdrops for your pics Shelbee! 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Chrissy! I am a firm believer that you can wear your pearls with anything! And the jeans came this way…with the fishnet attached. They are my fave jeans, too! We stumbled upon this graffitied alleyway quite by accident and I think I will be going there again for pictures in the future. Have a fabulous day, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
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