Be Your Own Art with Zaful
This post is inspired by a comment that I received from a dear friend last week in response to The Appropriate Trap. Her name is Hallie and she and I were very good friends many years ago back in our days of singledom. Marriage, kids, careers, moving, and life in general separated us long ago, but with the power of social media we have remained connected. I think of Hallie often as she always inspired me creatively especially with regard to fashion. (She and I also have 2 matching tattoos which tends to keep her close to my heart as well.)
*This post is sponsored by Zaful and DressLily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hallie posted this comment last week on my Facebook page and it moved me so much that I have to share it with you all…
*Batwing Sleeve Plus Size Cover Up Dress in Green c/o Zaful.
“That’s my girl! People should wear what makes them feel fabulous at whatever age they are. I’ve never seen a tag on a garment stating this article of clothing can only be worn by women between the ages of… If we listened to that rule the world would be missing out on the likes of Betsy Johnson, Isabella Blow, Iris Apfel, and the list goes on. Fashion is art, art is fashion. BE YOUR OWN ART!“
Isn’t this a brilliant statement on knocking down the entire concept of age-appropriate clothing? In fact, this knocks down any sentiments of appropriate anything. Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb also just tackled this issue in her Saturday post Why is the Way We Look to OTHERS More Important Than How We FEEL We Look? Catherine poses a fantastic question on the general concept of appropriateness…
My feelings are this (and they reflect the same as Catherine’s and Hallie’s)…
So whether that dress is the wrong shape, that color washes you out, those jeans are too long, that skirt is too short, or that sweater is too young, if you feel great wearing it, then wear it! But wear it with confidence and wear it with a smile. And if you are met with a derogatory comment, flip them off, flip your hair, and walk away…just make sure you’ve got your strut on!
And as my friend Hallie says, BE YOUR OWN ART, my friends. Always be your own art!
*Layered Life Tree 8 Shape Bracelet c/o DressLily.
*Gratitude and You Got This bracelets: MantraBand.
*Happiness bracelet: c/o Happiness Boutique.
*Rediscover Your Edge and On the Edge bracelets: custom made by Morgia Designs.
How do you express your artistic side? And how are you breaking through that dreadful appropriate trap?
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.
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.
23 Comments
Cheryl Tuckerr
I love this look Shelbee! I agree, fashion is art that you wear and we should all be artists! Have a great Monday doll!
Peace!
Cheryl
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Cheryl, thank you so much! This was a really fun outfit to wear! I was definitely feeling artsy in it! Have a fabulous week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren
I just love your friends comment. I’m all for women wearing what makes them feel great about themselves! There are times when I see something at the store and think, “I’m too old to wear that.” But really, says who?! 😉
By Lauren M
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lauren, thanks so much! And you are right, who says you are too old?! Wear whatever the heck you love! Have asuper day!
xoxo
Shelbee
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lauren, thanks so much! And you are right, who says you are too old?! Wear whatever the heck you love! Have a super day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rachel
You look amazing lady! Love the tights and shorts combo – and look at those LEGS! And I am totally in agreement – that’s how I always think of my outfits everyday – I’m a blank canvas and what I wear is my creative expression 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Rachel, thank you so much! This combination of tights and shorts is one of those combos that I have struggled with that appropriate trap. I used to wear shorts and tights all the time when I was in high school and college and every time I tried it in my 40’s, I would always think it was ridiculous and I was trying to look too young. Finally, with the words of this post in mind, I went for it and I love the result! Thank you so much for validating that for me, too. Have the most fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
You are never too old to dress the way you want.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree 100%, Patrick! Thanks so much for stopping by and validating us women (and men) dressing however the hell we like!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gigi Kiersten
Agreed, I usually create outfits for other people. And there are stylist rules, but I don’t always follow them. I go with my gut and how I want to express myself. I watch too many ‘fashion styling shows’ and read too many books that tells you have to wear this and you can’t wear that. At the end of the day, fashion is a way to express yourself. Fashion should make you feel good, and you shouldn’t have to stick with the rules that binds your freedom of expression down. It’s your money, that you’re spending, not theirs. Fashion is art, and it’s is very subjective.
As for your outfit, I really like it. It’s very artsy and bohemian chic. I especially love your boots. Thank you for sharing hon!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Gigi, this is such a fabulous comment! I love your insightful take on fashion and style. It is so personalized and really up to your own taste. Just yesterday, I wore a new dress from Gamiss (it will on the blog soon). I was dropping my kids off at school and another mom gave me the nastiest look as she stared me up and down…it was as if my outfit really offended her. Very weird. Perhaps I will share the details in the post! Thanks so much for stopping by and have a fabulous day.
xoxo
Shelbee
Alicia O'Brien
Awesome attitude to have. I always wear what I love and what I am comfortable in. And my favourite saying is, Do what makes you happy, no matter what anyone else thinks!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Alicia, thank you so very much! I love your favorite saying, too. Like I said, when the naysayers rear their ugly heads, flip them off, flip your hair, and strut in the other direction with a big ole smile on your face! Always doing what you makes you happy regardless of the opinions of others. Rock on, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Quirky Homemaker
Yes! Be Your Own Art. I agree. I don’t believe any of those age rules. 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much! Age rules are hogwash! #beyourownart
xoxo
Shelbee
Adri
You look insanely happy and confident in this outfit! It’s so true that we put so much attention on what’s appropriate.
Thank you for linking up!
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Adri, thank you so much for this wonderful compliment! That just made me smile the biggest smile! Have a fabulous weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
nicole
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. These bracelets are so you!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nicole!
xoxo
Shelbee
MARIANA
I already knew Zaful but had never heard of DressLily. Thanks for introducing, I almost exclusively buy online, it is so much more comfortable and you don´t end up looking like everyone else.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree you with completely, Mariana! I definitely like that you get unique pieces from these online retailers for affordable prices. You will find that DressLily and Zaful (as well as Rosegal and Gamiss) carry a lot of the same pieces. Sometimes the prices will be different across the sites, so it’s worth cross referencing to find the cheapest! Thanks so much for stopping by!
xoxo
Shelbee
Melissa
Yes girl! I completely agree with your friend, fashion is art! You should always wear what makes you shine the most from inside out!!
xo
Mel
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mel! It is such a brilliant concept and one that we need to share! #BeYourOwnArt!
xoxo
Shelbee