punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

The Fab 40’s Traveled the World

August 31, 2020 / 30 Comments
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

“Everything I do, writing, touring, traveling, it all comes from the punk and hardcore attitude, from that expression – from being open to try things but relying on yourself, taking what you have into the battle and making of it what you will, hoping you can figure it out as you go. Make some sense of it.”

Henry Rollins

The Fab 40’s are returning after skipping our July post. We had some reorganization to do and the summer months spent in quarantine sort of left us all a bit overwhelmed. A break was necessary so we took it.

The biggest change (or addition) to our group is that we have added a new member. Please welcome Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood. Ada just turned 40 this spring so she is the youngest member of our group and hopefully will carry the torch once the rest of us age out of our 40’s. Ada joined us back in April as a guest blogger for our Harajuku theme and we had so much fun together. We were super excited that she agreed to join us as a regular member. Welcome, Ada!

This month’s theme was chosen by Sheela and it is an interesting one. She directed us to pick a country that we would love to visit, a country from our travel bucket lists, and create an outfit inspired by that country. An interesting and a challenging theme indeed. But that’s what we love the most about this group…it challenges us. It opens doors for more creativity. It pushes us out of our comfort zones. And it is just plain old good fun to play dress up sometimes. Keep that young child within us all alive and well!

punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

I am not a well traveled woman. I have only left the United States a few times to visit Canada (once), Bermuda (twice), and Iceland (twice). That’s it. I have never been to any other country outside of the United States. I actually really enjoy exploring what the east coast of the United States has to offer. Plus it is easier and much less expensive to be able to drive to my travel destinations (and I can pack as much as I’d like when I travel by car)!

In any event, there are a few countries on my bucket list. Mostly countries from where my ancestors originated…Italy, Sweden, Hungary, and Wales. But sitting prominently at the top of my list for as long as I can remember is England, particularly London as well as the countryside where Jane Austen lived (Steventon, Hampshire). Perhaps one day I will realize my travel dreams with Jettly which will take me anywhere I want in style. Fingers crossed that I do have some world travels in my future.

As much as I adore Georgian and Victorian era fashions, I didn’t really have the creative intuition to style a Jane Austen inspired outfit for this post. But maybe that is something I will do later if the sartorial spirits move me. Instead I found my inspiration from the punk subculture that emerged in London in the 1970’s.

“When someone asks you, ‘What’s punk?’ my reply is, ‘If you have to ask, you’re never going to know.'”

Henry Rollins
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

I am much more hippie than punk these days. But there is a strange relationship between the punk and hippie subcultures where they appear to be in direct opposition of one another while sharing nearly identical ideologies. The reason it seems this way is because the punk movement was born out of a distaste for what was left of the hippie counterculture in the early 1970’s. The punk movement rejected hippie fashions like loose flowing clothes and long hair and they preferred a much different sound of music as well. Yet the members of the punk subculture held tight to the one hippie ideal that rejected all things mainstream. So it makes sense how I could find myself dipping my dirty hippie toes into steel toed combat boots every once in a while.

When punk first hit the fashion scene in London and New York in the mid 1970’s, the style was predominantly focused on all black, leather, rocker, biker, and greaser-inspired outfits wrought with chains and buckles and zippers. For some reason, I have always associated red plaid with the punk movement as well. So I threw together this crazy combination of red plaids, white fishnets, rocker tee shirt, combat boots, leather choker, and all things that just sort of made me feel very punk rock.

“Questioning anything and everything, to me, is punk rock.”

Henry Rollins
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Now won’t you go and check out the styles created by my Fab 40’s friends inspired by their bucket list countries.

The Fab 40’s is a group of five 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 style trends and show 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.

The Bloggers

Let’s begin with our newest member Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood. Can you guess which country has inspired Ada? In her own words…

“My bucket list country is _______, specifically ______ and ______. I love the colors, food, drinks, flavors, music, cultures, dances and festivals among other things. When I think of _______ I think of deep, rich reds, bright colors, beautiful exotic birds, an abundance of flowers in different colors of the rainbow and lots of embroidery. I think I captured _______ with my bright red lipstick, parrot camisole and embroidered mini skirt. The studded sandals add a little bit of the edge that brings out the night lifestyle of _______, plus they are easy to dance the night away. Even the beautiful roses on the background capture _______’s beauty and colors. Oléy!!”

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

Outfit Details: Camisole & Skirt-Loft / Crossbody Bag-Rebecca Minkoff / Sunglasses-Fendi / Lipstick-NARS Audacious / Gladiator Sandals-Steve Madden

Next is Sheela of Sheela Writes who chose this month’s theme. Can you guess which country tops Sheela’s bucket list? In her words…

“Here’s mine, ladies, inspired by _______ which, at this time of the year, is winter, hence the layers. The frills and the sleek leather evoke that sexy yet very womanly allure of _______’s winter street style.”

Sheela of Sheela Writes

And now Suzy of Suzy Turner Books & Style. Can you guess which country fascinates Suzy? In her own words…

“Hey girls! I hope you’re all safe and well. If it’s not clear…. my bucket list country is _______. I’ve been fascinated by the ancient _______ ever since I was little (it was one of my all time favourite subjects at school!) and I always wanted to visit the _______. They’re so mystical, which is probably what I love so much about them! If you’ve been to my blog lately you’ll see that I’ve given it a facelift and now it’s all about my love of all things mystical / magical / spiritual & witchy!”

Suzy of Suzy Turner Books & Style

Outfit Details: Black dress-George at Asda / Black sandals-Local Portuguese shoe shop / Earrings, necklace, rings, one snake bracelet-gifts from mother-in-law / Tiger bracelet-inherited from my late stepmother-in-law

Unfortunately, Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks will be unable to join us this month. Please do send her lots of good thoughts and positive energy as she is dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. We love you, Daenel!

Well done, my gorgeous friends! Everyone looks simply amazing!

And you already know the story of my outfit…

punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
punk fashion, red plaid, combat boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Outfit Details: Aerosmith Tee Shirt, Duster, Long Sleeve Half Tee, and Belt-Torrid / Skirt and Gloves-Old Navy / Skirt Extender-c/o Dresslily / Vest-JustFab / Tights-Target / Purse-Thrifted / Boots and Jewelry-All old

Which country tops your travel bucket list? What is it that draws you to that place? The landscape, the culture, the food, the style, family, friends? Let me know in the comments!

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Shop my look…

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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