Inspired by Not Dead Yet Style & Link Up On the Edge #85

March 9, 2018 / 62 Comments

So I got this dress from EvaTrends and when I first put it on, I did not look like the model in the product images. Not even close. In reality, I suppose I did not actually expect that I would look anything like the model but I guess I was just kind of hoping I would be so cute. I wasn’t. So I took it off and hung it at the front of my closet waiting for inspiration to hit.

Side Slit Knitted Sweater Dress

*This is a sponsored post. This dress was provided to me for purposes of this blog post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Knowing that I was obligated to style this dress and share it on my blog, I made sure that it was visible every day when I got dressed as constant reminder of said obligation. And I tried it on nearly every day for about a week. Each time attempting something different. I tried tights. I tried leggings. I tried skinny jeans. I tried belting it with wide belts, skinny belts, low slung chain belts. I tried long vests over it and kimonos and cardigans. I tried belting those, too. Nothing made me smile. Nothing made me confident. It all made me scowl and grumble and wonder what the heck I was going to do. How on earth was I going to make this dress, the one that looks so incredibly adorable on the model, work on my completely different body?

Then I remembered Patti of Not Dead Yet Style had recently shared some outfits wearing her black floral Doc Martens with a skirt and tights, wide cuffed jeans, and most recently with a long asymmetric skirt.

And it got me thinking…I have the same Doc Martens but in a brown floral with pink flowers in quite the perfect shade for my dress. I was liking Patti’s styling of her boots with skirts, so mine should conceivably work with a dress.  But I also was really digging Patti’s boots with her jeans, too. Hmmm…maybe jeans with the dress. Wide cuffed and baggy, boyfriend style. I was hesitant at first, you know, layering baggy over more baggy. That usually doesn’t work out well. But skinny under baggy wasn’t working either. And one never knows exactly how something will look until you put it on your body and look in the mirror. So I gave it a try.

I think I am on to something here. This was working. And it was comfortable. So, so comfortable. The proportions seemed just right except the dress was a lot of pink to take in. Like a whole lot. I needed to break it up somehow. A long necklace? A scarf? How about both? You know I love my accessories! So wooden beads and a tassel and a contrasting butterfly and floral print scarf. I am feeling some winter-moving-into-spring boho vibes of sorts.

I was quite liking it all as is, but it is still just really damn cold outside and I needed an extra layer. This presented another challenge. I probably tried on 15 different things. No coats or jackets worked. They were either too short or too frumpy or too something else that just wasn’t appealing. Finally, I found this color blocked poncho buried in a bin in my closet room. I wasn’t thrilled that it was black, but it worked well enough. And I have to be honest, I was getting tired of this challenge and just wanted to get this thing photographed.

So there you have it…real life blogger problems…solved by inspiration from another blogger! Thank you, Patti, for inspiring me to dig out those old Doc Martens and make this thing work!

And on the other side of solving the problem is where the fun really begins! Just being my silly old self for the camera. Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what you are wearing as long as you are smiling!

And now your favorite posts from last week.

Mimi of In My Prime Time shared her post about some closet organization ideas. I love her ideas, but she is looking for more. So won’t you head on over and drop her a comment with your closet organization suggestions!

In My Prime Time

And Tiina of Elegance Revisited shared her post, The Classic Coat: Part 1/3. Tiina always shares fabulous styling tips for keeping classic pieces super versatile in your wardrobe. And she always looks so amazing…easy, casual, chic, and confidently true to herself in every outfit she creates!

Tiina of Elegance Revisted


Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

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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62 Comments

  • Nancy Baten

    March 9, 2018 at 9:55 am Reply

    I think you did a wonderfull job there! The color is very nice and the Dr. Martens are made for it. You really made this work, I think that is admirable!

  • Tiina L

    March 9, 2018 at 10:56 am Reply

    Thank you so much for featuring me, it was such a lovely surprise. and it made my day (in bed with a flu for the past week and a half and the cabin fever is setting in…)
    Don’t you just hate it when something you bought looks so complete different from what you’d imagined, or wished for? I always love those pictures of women wearing some sort of flowy kaftans, looking so easy-breezy cool. And when I try the same look I look like a hippo in a muumuu…
    I think you did a good job styling this very challenging piece. But I think the best part of the outfit is the fabulous poncho. Now that is a versatile piece!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 9, 2018 at 11:14 am Reply

      Tiina, thank you so much! You took the words right out of my mouth…a hippo in a muumuu indeed! That was exactly what was happening to me. I was so disappointed. But I did end up really liking it in the end once I figured out how to style it for me.

      I am so sorry to hear that you have been suffering from the flu. That is the absolute worst. I was awakened at 4 am by my youngest puking all over his bed…the same sheets I just spent the entire night laundering 3 nights ago when the older one puked all over them. I guess I’m next…and I’m bracing myself for the worst. I do hope you are feeling better soon.

      And it was pleasure to feature you. You always inspire with your style choices and of course, your wittiness appeals to me every single time, too!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Chrissy

    March 9, 2018 at 12:15 pm Reply

    Haha! I loved his post and can relate to that one item that gives you blogger fits, as well as the wonderful feeling of enlightenment. Feel like a rockstar Shelbee, because you are! I think this outfit is so fun and edgy and I love the boots. Man I wish I could borrow some of your show wealth. 😉

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 9, 2018 at 1:11 pm Reply

      Chrissy, you are so funny! It’s true though, right? Blogger fits are for real. But the bigger the fit, the better the enlightenment! I do love my shoe wealth and I will share…if the shoe fits, you can borrow it! Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann

    March 9, 2018 at 12:47 pm Reply

    Um, really? Is there anything you can’t style? I think not! This looks great on you and it’s something I would have never given a second thought but you made it look enticing!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 9, 2018 at 1:07 pm Reply

      Aw, Kellyann, thank you so much! I do like a good styling challenge. And I seriously get so proud of myself when I am stumped and then I figure it out…you should see the happy dance I do when I nail it! Ha. My husband thinks I’m ridiculous. Have a great weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Suzy

    March 9, 2018 at 1:25 pm Reply

    I would never have known that you struggled so much with this dress, Shelbee, because it looks absolutely fabulous with the jeans and Doc Marten boots! I love the added poncho too. But I do empathise… there have been times when I’ve struggled to style something too. Like you say, the problems we bloggers face lol!
    Hugs
    Suzy xx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 9, 2018 at 1:32 pm Reply

      Suzy, thank you so much! I was so pleased with the outcome of this outfit that I thought it would be fun to share how much I really did struggle with it. It was ridiculous! Real life blogger problems, right? I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 9, 2018 at 1:45 pm Reply

      Jodie, thanks so much! I really do get so excited when I am this challenged and then I nail it! I do this little happy dance thing that makes my husband roll his eyes and think I’ve gone crazy! I wish you an amazing weekend as well, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • cherie

    March 9, 2018 at 2:37 pm Reply

    Don’t you hate that when the picture of the model in the dress is what you are going for and the reality is much different? I have to say I think the reason the dress works so well on her is it’s a few sizes larger than she usually wears. This gives her that oversized, relaxed look. But, I love how you styled it as a top Shelbee, and the color is perfect on you. And, who doesn’t love Patti’s Doc Marten floral boots. They look fabulous on you!!

    Cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com
    STYLE NUDGE

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 9, 2018 at 3:24 pm Reply

      Cherie, thank you so much for these wonderfully kind words! And I agree with you that the model’s dress is way oversized adding to the cuteness factor. And being plus sized myself, I ordered the largest size available and it fits how it fits. Sometimes, I like to fool myself into believing that I still have the same slender swimmer’s body and frame that I had 20 years and 70 pounds ago! But I don’t. And never will. But I sure am glad that I figured out how to make this dress work for me because I really do love it. Floral Doc Martens are always winners, too, aren’t they?!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nikki Gwin

    March 9, 2018 at 5:02 pm Reply

    Well, you totally nailed it. I probably would have given up after the first couple of tries. I absolutely love it as just a long tunic type sweater. And the ponch is awesome with it!
    I learned a lesson here today.
    🙂 gwingal

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 10, 2018 at 11:42 am Reply

      Aw, Nikki, thanks so much! I can’t give up on anything…the harder the challenge becomes, the more determined I am to make it work! I am glad that you were able to take something away from my post. That makes me quite giddy! Have a fabulous weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lisa Richardson

    March 9, 2018 at 6:11 pm Reply

    First off, you are so crazy cool! I love how you put your outfits together and aren’t afraid of shoes with personality. I’m much too safe for that and I so admire it in you! Second, love this and you were right, the pink needed to be broken up and the scarf and necklace were perfect, but then i really loved when you added the cape! Springy without being freezing. You go girl!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 10, 2018 at 11:37 am Reply

      Lisa, this is one the best compliments! Thank you so much! Shoes with personality…I love that! I definitely do have a thing for shoes with personality. Why are you afraid of crazy shoes? I think you would totally rock out a pair of patterned booties, my friend. And they are super cool with an all neutral outfit…the surprise is at your feet! I think the next time you see a cute pair of patterned shoes on super duper clearance, you should give them a try and see what happens….remember great things happen outside your comfort zone! Have a fabulous weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lorena

    March 9, 2018 at 6:54 pm Reply

    That’s what I call a persistent woman! You made this work. This dress has such a nice colour.
    I think that you should have ordered one or even two sizes down !

  • Laura

    March 9, 2018 at 6:59 pm Reply

    Love how you took inspiration and make it completely your own! That is what I love about reading blogs! I find so much inspiration!

  • Amy Christensen

    March 9, 2018 at 7:28 pm Reply

    Shelbee, I am doing the Eva Trends thing too, and their pieces are a little bit challenging, because many of them are large and baggy….but you nailed it! I absolutely love the look with your wide cuffed denim and floral boots! Congrats, hon! You did a great job. I can only hope I do as well. Besides you’d look amazing in just about anything, because you are beautiful! Have a great weekend and thanks for hosting the link up! – Amy
    http://stylingrannymama.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 10, 2018 at 11:27 am Reply

      Amy, thank you so much! You are so kind! I used to really love big, baggy clothing…when I was 70 pounds lighter and 20 years younger…but now I am realizing that it is really true that when you are plus size like me that big and baggy really does make you look bigger. But I am figuring out ways to make these pieces work. You are very creative with your styling, too, so I have no doubt you will be able to style the EvaTrends pieces perfectly for you! I look forward to seeing what pieces your chose!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Rena

    March 10, 2018 at 4:27 am Reply

    Shelbee, you are utterly marvelous, stylish, and adorable. And super creative and ingenious in how you worked your magic in putting together this fantastic look. You and Patti have me wanted to get a pair of floral Doc Martins. Since they’re not footwear I’d wear to work, maybe I’ll put them on my wishlist for retirement (two years from now🤞🏻). Love the photos, too.

    Rena
    http://www.finewhateverblog.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 10, 2018 at 11:20 am Reply

      Rena, thank you so much for that wonderful compliment! And you would totally rock floral Doc Martens. I found mine on clearance at DSW a few years ago and snagged them when they had an additional 20% off clearance and I had rewards so I ended paying around $35 for them. So watch places like that for the pair you want…no need to wait until retirement that way. Ha. And retirement in 2 years sounds so exciting! Good for you!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Marilee Gramith

    March 12, 2018 at 4:45 am Reply

    Adding the poncho size scarf really worked to balance the length of this dress. The boots are so dang cute!!! I love them in more unique brown!!
    There are SO many things like this that tick a lot of boxes as “lounge wear” but maybe aren’t ideally flattering enough for “out and about” wear. I often buy items to wear as PJ’s that are not in that department but work really well and make me feel chic around the house! Outside the box thinking of repurposing fashion allows for more individual creativity in my view.
    This piece has great color, texture and coziness… multifunctional wear!!?

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 12, 2018 at 11:57 am Reply

      Thank you, Jude! And I actually hadn’t considered this piece as loungewear, but now that you point that out, I will definitely reconsider! I actually have quite a few dresses that I have purchased specifically for loungewear so I don’t know why this hadn’t occurred to me. Thank you for that! I hate when I get something, wear it once, and then toss it to the back of the closet to be forgotten…especially when it is a great quality like this piece. I even picked up a cute velvet shapeless swing dress at Old Navy yesterday (for $1.97, I must add) that I specifically bought with loungewear in mind! Great minds, my friend, great minds! I wish you a wonderful week!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      March 15, 2018 at 2:34 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Sherry! That lack of snow did not last long at all! We have about a foot of snow on the ground again and there is snow in the forecast nearly every day next week. I fear Spring is still a very long way off for me!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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