Inspired by Champagneista: Red Floral Kimono & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #81

This is not a sponsored post.

Clearly, I have been finding inspiration all over the place in blogland recently! This will be the 4th post added to my Inspired By series in the past month alone. Way back when I first started my blog (nearly 3 years ago), I was trying to write a weekly post called Little Bits of Inspiration where I would share 5 of my favorite things that I had read on the internet during the preceding week. For some reason, I lost my gusto for that series fairly quickly and the posts became sporadic at best. I would keep a running list of posts and articles that I wanted to feature in the series and I was forever misplacing my notebook or losing the loose papers that I had used to scribble down the name of a post. Eventually, I just kind of let that idea go.

But I continued to find myself ever so inspired by all of the amazing people in this blogging community. And I wanted the opportunity to feature and share whenever such inspiration struck me. So my Inspired By series was born. I let go of all my strict guidelines for how and when I would feature someone who has inspired me and now I just go with it…whenever inspiration strikes, I grab hold of it, and write a post. Sometimes, it is an outfit or one piece of an outfit that I am inspired to recreate in my own way. Other times, it is an idea or a concept or just a thought provoking post that inspires me to dive deep into my own reflections on the topic. But I always like to give credit where credit is due.  And you know that I also like to perform random acts of kindness whenever I can.  So I use my blog as my platform to illustrate the parallels between what I am wearing or saying and the person who inspired it. I can’t force it, I don’t look for it, it just happens.

And so it happened when Kim of Champagneista shared her red Tassel Kimono that was a featured favorite on my 100th Link Up On the Edge. Well you know how much I love all kimonos! And when I saw Kim’s brilliant red floral kimono, it dawned on me that in my vastly large collection of kimonos, not a single red one was to be found. I needed to rectify that situation immediately…the red floral looks so gorgeous on Kim with her beautiful dark hair, I just knew that the same would work for me, too.

Kim of Champagneista

Not wanting to spend too much money on yet another kimono, I headed off to Poshmark to see what I could find. And I found some really amazing authentic Japanese kimonos in red that are currently on my wish list…they are a bit pricier than I wanted right now…but I am sure at some point I will acquire one or two of those! In the meantime, however, I decided on this red Floral Kimono Robe found in the closet of @ariel4fly. For a mere $10 plus shipping, I had myself a gorgeous red kimono inspired by Kim!

This one is actually a robe from a lingerie collection, but I pay no mind to stated purposes of apparel and I wear what I want however I please. So on Sunday as my husband and I were heading out to Clayton, New York, for an afternoon lunch date on the lake, it was the perfect opportunity to style my new red kimono. Recently, I have really been appreciating the combination of a deep red and olive green…the only red and green pairing that doesn’t look like a Christmas costume! I stuck with my favorite formula of denim shorts, tank top, and wedge sandals which is also the exact same formula styled by Kim!

And there you have it, my new red kimono inspired by Kim of Champagneista!

And since we coincidentally enjoyed a champagne mimosa bar with our lunch, in the spirit of Kim’s love for champagne, I had to share a picture of our drinks as well!

You can see who else has been inspiring me these days in these recent posts…

June 21, 2018: Inspired by Mom With Style: Giving Shape to a Shapeless Dress
June 26, 2018: Inspired by Fashion Fairy Dust & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #78
July 16, 2018: Inspired By Sheela Writes: Blogging Has Made Me Bolder

Who has inspired you lately and how? I would love to hear from you!

And now the featured favorites from last week.

I am in a complete swoon over this leather jacket shared by Nicole of High Latitude Style. I mean, look at that brilliant shade of green and all the edgy details. So freaking cool! And the gorgeous way Nicole styled it with her vibrant floral skirt, cute graphic tee, and magnificent red and leopard heels leaves me yearning for a similar jacket! Who knows…perhaps another Inspired By post is in the making! You can read Nicole’s full review of this amazing jacket in her post, Leather Skin Green Jacket Review.

Nicole of High Latitude Style

Of course, I had to feature a post with kimonos! Jodie, her mom Charlotte, and friend Lesley of Jodie’s Touch of Style have shared three stunning ways to style kimonos in the post, Wearing our Summer Kimono Outfits for a Dressy Affair. Jodie is always right on point with her styling choices!  And remember kimonos are the theme for the August edition of The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book.  So be sure to send me some photos of your favorite (or least favorite) kimono to be featured next month!

Charlotte, Lesley, and Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style

And Linda of A Labour of Life is killing it, as usual, in her edgy black and white festival look! Check out her post, Bluesfest Fashion Statements in Stripes and Converse. Linda is seriously the queen of bold pattern mixing!

Linda of A Labour of Life

Now it’s your turn to show me all your fabulous!


Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a 40 something Army wife and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats named Dave and Frankie. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

76 Comments

  • Maureen

    Those mimosas look so good and refreshing! I love this new red kimono of yours. Not only does it have a great background story but it’s also very beautiful. Red of course is my favorite color so I may be biased in saying that it is a gorgeous one. I hope your week is off to a great start and happy Tuesday!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Maureen, thanks so much! The mimosas were delicious and so refreshing on a really hot day! I really do love red as well. Although green will forever be my favorite color, I always find myself drawn to deep shades of red as well! I hope you are having a fabulous week and a wonderful summer, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jodie

    First—this kimono is truly amazing on you. That color? Perfection!! And I love that it’s longer than the shorts–I’m going to have to try that!!
    And secondly…thanks so much for the feature!! You just have to admit that kimonos are really the most versatile item in our closet for the summer. What else can take you from the beach, to shopping to dinner all in the same day??
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jodie, I hear you! You know my adoration obsession for kimonos for all of these reasons! I remember a few years ago, I was really hesitant about wearing a top that was longer than my shorts…because from behind it can often appear as if you forgot your pants! I kept seeing it on Pinterest and when I finally gave it a try myself, I never looked back (pun intended). I think it is super fun and sassy to have a completely different idea from the back than what you get from the front view! I look forward to seeing how you style this look one day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Suzy Turner

    I love being inspired by my fellow bloggers and I just adore the styling of this kimono by both you and Kim. Needless to say, I’m in love with the khaki top and shoes – perfect with the red. And what a beautiful setting for the photos! Stunning location, stunning lady <3
    Suzy xxx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Suzy, thank you so much! Isn’t it so energizing to find inspiration from our friends?! I always get so excited to write these posts, too. I have just rediscovered this khaki/olive top which I used to hate to wear because my bra straps were always showing. But I just received a new Ruby Ribbon demiette with a racerback that has literally changed my wardrobe options! I will be showing that on the blog this Friday! I hope you have a fabulous week, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Susan

    Olive green is one of those colors I can’t wear near my face. It just makes me look like an oversized lima bean.
    I find it amazing that you didn’t have a red kimono before this, with your dark hair, it’s a moral imperative. This kimono looks really pretty, but for some reason, only two of your pictures showed up with this post, and the picture of your drinks didn’t show at all. I want to see the back of the kimono, are the flowers all red and white, or is there yellow in it as well? Either way, you look great, and I love the kimono.

    Also, soooo excited to learn that the August linkup is kimonos!!!!!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Susan, thanks so much! I actually wear a ton of olive green…another of my favorite colors so I sure hope I don’t look like a lima bean! Although if I try to wear yellow or beige by my face, you might get the impression that I am dying from some rare liver or kidney disease!

      The kimono has some sage green in the leaves and the flowers are red, pink, and pale yellow. I don’t seem to be having a problem with the images on my end (for once), but I will see if it is something going on in WordPress. Hopefully, they will load properly for you soon. It is crazy that I didn’t have a red kimono before, I know! A “moral imperative” indeed! I hope you will send me a photo or two of your kimono stylings for next month’s Good Buy/Good-Bye Book!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

      • Susan

        Ah, photos are showing now, and I want a mimosa with berries in it. You definitely don’t resemble a lima bean at all. Now that I can see all the photos, I love how the lace up neckline on your olive shirt mimics the lace up kimono sleeves. A color combo that wouldn’t have occurred to me, but together it is truly unique and awesome. Wonder what I could do with my olive green pants and a kimono..hmmm. And of course I will be styling for next months good buy/bye book, that is why I got so excited when I saw that. Fun, Fun!

        • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

          Susan, I am so glad you can see the photos now! And I am even happier that you will be showing us some of your fabulous kimono styles for The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book in August! Olive green pants with a kimono sounds marvelous to me. But then again anything with a kimono and anything olive green usually sound marvelous to me!

          xoxo
          Shelbee

  • Laurie

    The pictures of you with the red kimono are so pretty! Especially the ones in front of the lighthouse. And those mimosas…..! Great idea to let us know who inspired you. What a wonderful way to pay it forward.

  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    A Mimosa bar? Yes, please! I love this colorful and cheery duster/kimono! SO gorgeous on you! Your hair looks so cute in the low pigtails, too! I should try that with my hair sometime this summer. What a gorgeous view behind you!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Carrie, isn’t a mimosa bar the most fabulous thing?! There was a variety of juices and fresh fruits to make it however you wanted! And both were delicious. I would love to see you in low pigtails, my friend! So cute!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Robin LaMonte

    Shelbee,

    What a clever idea about purchasing a robe as your kimono!
    I wouldn’t have known if you hadn’t mentioned it.
    I am seeing a lot of jean shorts with kimonos lately and I can see why you were inspired to try that style!
    Looking fabulous my friend!

    Hugs,
    Robin
    https://helloim50ish.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Robin, thanks so much! I am glad that you couldn’t tell it wasn’t a robe! I felt like the way it tied was giving it away and some robes really do just look like robes. This is my favorite outfit formula for summer by far! I hope you are having a magnificent summer.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Elizabeth Ramsey

    OK, three things today! Both of you ladies are killing it with the red kimono! Love. Your hair in pigtails is adorable. Fantastic venue for your photo shoot – wish I was there right this minute. Have a great week and as always, thanks for hosting!

    Betsy| https://nattygal.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Betsy, thanks so much! I have been wearing my hair in pigtails nearly every day lately! I have been trying to grow it just for that purpose. I can’t wait until it is long for braids! If you ever do make it up this way, there are so many adorable waterfront towns…we could meet for lunch! I hope your summer is fabulous so far.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

      • Elizabeth Ramsey

        I’d love that! My mom is actually doing a tour end of August that I think goes by there. Boldt Castle then on to Montreal and Quebec. Should have gone with her. But confident we’ll get there some day!

        • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

          Oh wow, Betsy! Boldt Castle is only about a 40 minute drive from my house! Clayton, where these photos were taken, is only about 15 minutes from Alexandria Bay where you get the boat that takes you to Boldt Castle. Which, by the way, is an amazing place to go tour! I need to get back there. It has been about 6 years since I was last there and they are constantly renovating and updating it. I hope your mom has the most wonderful trip!

          xoxo
          Shelbee

  • Jessica A Jannenga

    Love your kimono Shelbee! I love the red and the sleeve details. The rich red is a favorite color of mine too. When I got a kimono for Christmas my mother in law thought it was a robe, and she wasn’t sure about me styling it with jeans and a cami.. hehe. Anyhow, the combo of red and olive looks great on you and it is so fun to take inspiration from other bloggers, places. etc. Love the pictures with the red flowers in the background.
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jess, thanks so much! Red really is a fabulous color on you, too! And isn’t olive so great paired with it? At first I was unsure of these colors together, but I really like them, so I am sticking with it! I like the drama and bit of sexiness that a robe-like garment can add to an outfit! And I am glad that you are slowly building a kimono collection, too. I hope your summer is going great, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Regan

    Loving the kimonos!!! Such fun fashions that make you smile. Oh, might have to join you in that frozen champagne drink. Thanks for all you do to encourage us all

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Regan, thank you so very much for your kind words! I try my best to offer encouragement, empowerment, and enlightenment into the world so I really appreciate this comment! I hope you are enjoying your summer.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lisa Richardson

    I love the combo of red and olive. Why o’ why is it so easy for you to find so many kimonos and I can’t find one that I really love? #curseofthekimono I’m going to keep looking.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Thanks so much, Lisa! I think I have an easy time finding them because I have no standards! Hahahaha. Seriously, if there’s a kimono and it’s on sale, I make it mine! And sometimes, just sometimes, when I spot an amazing one, I will pay full price. Have you tried different lengths and different ways of styling them to suit your frame? Like belting longer ones or tying them in the front. Or going for the shorter kimono style blouses that wrap around and are a bit snugger around the waist. And there are so many different fabrics and they each lay a little differently, too. Keep trying all the different styles and lengths, my friend. I am sure you will find the perfect one…and then you will buy them all!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Karren Haller

    Love your kimonos, the colors are awesome!! Kimonos are such a great accessory. especially in the summer because I have to have loose cool clothing.
    I have a kimino for review just need my son to take a few pics when he is here.
    Dont forget to stop by #omhgww and share!!
    Have a great week….Stay Cool!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Karren, thanks so much! I do love the light layer that a kimono provides in the summer! But I also wear them all year long…some beautiful velvet ones made their way into my closet this past fall and winter. I can’t wait to see your new kimono! I will definitely be linking up with you tomorrow.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Ada

    I can see why Kim inspired you cause I loved her outfit with the pretty kimono, cool scalloped tank and those wedges. You still did you though, slightly edgier and super cool. Love your new kimono and your olive wedges! Great looks featured all around in this post… And I still ave to find a kimono or two for Summer!

    I agree about getting so much inspiration from blogs, Instagram and Pinterest. Fabulous fashionistas everywhere! =) You are always so kind in how you write and acknowledge everyone too.

    You should link this today with our special “Skirt-themed” linkup below. Any cute Summer outfits are welcome!

    http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2018/07/skirtmas-in-july-day-7-sunday-best.html

    Thanks!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Aw, Ada, as always, I thank you so much for your kind words and detailed compliments! You definitely need a kimono or two! They are a summer must-have in my opinion! Heading over now to check out your new link up!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • juliet

    Love that kimono on you – I think it was waiting to be rescued as it belongs in your wardrobe. The scenery is beautiful too and I am loving your pretty bag

  • Kellyann Rohr

    What a beautiful, authentic kimono! I just placed my first Poshmark order the other day. It’s a little overwhelming shopping the site but if you know what you want it’s pretty awesome! You look fab my friend!
    xo,
    Kellyann

  • Kristin

    I have to be honest, I thought I wasn’t into the kimonos that have been popular lately. But I really love the way that you and Kim styled yours! It’s so perfect with the shorts and wedges– not too boho, not too crazy. Makes for a more interesting summer outfit.
    -Kristin
    countdowntofridayblog.com

  • Darlene

    Hi Shelbee,
    Wow, with all the super cute looks you’ve featured, I’m feeling a bit intimidated!! But it’s true, the many blogging ladies are truly inspiring and SO stylish! Speaking of stylish, I love the red kimono you are wearing. And how fresh it looks with olive! Great idea!

    Thanks so much for sharing. Your inspirational stories are inspiring to others as well!

    Darlene

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Darlene, thank you so very much! You have amazing style, too, so I am completely flattered by your wonderful comments about my style. It is so much fun drawing inspiration from others. We may have an idea in our heads but are not comfortable trying it until we see someone else try it and that gives us the confidence to go outside of our comfort zones. That is one of the beautiful things about the blogging community…all that support and empowerment!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies

    What a great look Shelbee! How lovely that you always support the women who influence your style. I think kimonos are a classic item – can we say that? After all the Chinese have worn them for 100’s of years. Does that make them a modern classic? All I know is they are endlessly versatile – I’m wearing one over my Pj’s right now (it is only 6.30am in the UK). Hope you are having a great week – love your set of photos – you look so happy xxx

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Maria, thank you so much! I think kimonos can take on the status of “classic”, can’t they? They have been worn in other cultures for centuries…and weren’t they popular in Old Hollywood (like in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s)? I guess like all other fashion trends, they cycle around. I will continue to wear mine even if they do go out of fashion! So I guess that does make them classic. I love that you are wearing a kimono with your pajamas, too! I have a few that are solely for pajama purposes!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nancy Baten

    You are a kimono addict girl!😂😂😂😂 But it certainly looks good! The color is very nice. Lovely Idea for a post, I was inspired nu other bloggers too with my white dress yesterday!

  • Linda Cassidy

    thanks for the feature and I adore that Red kimono. First I thought you were inspired by Deb’s red dress but I guess inspiration is all around us. Such a beautiful setting as well.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      It was my pleasure to feature you, Linda! And yes, inspiration is all around us indeed! We just need to keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open so we don’t miss it! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jamie

    So, there are several things I love about this post so before I get into the fashion let me say- I loooooove your inspiration. That’s how I feel about the fashion blog world- we are sharing a passion and it’s beautiful to be inspired and share each other. Now on fashion- you nailed it with the kimono. For some reason I tend to choose muted colors and shorter lengths. I think I’m taking one out of your book for the next purchase! <3 Jamie

    http://Www.mommyinflats.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jamie, thanks so much for this lovely comment! I find so much inspiration from the blogging community. I just love how supportive and empowering every one is. This world is often so cruel especially on the internet that it is a welcome relief to have so many people who really do spend a lot of their time online and are still kind and loving and generous. And if we keep our eyes, ears, and minds open, there is literally inspiration all around us! And now I am really looking forward to seeing what kind of kimono you choose for your next purchase!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Claire

    Love your red kimono Shelbee, it is beautiful. I would love one like yours 🙂 Thanks for linking up to The Wednesday Link Up. Hope you can join me today 🙂

  • Karren Haller

    I love your kimona Shelby, the color is great for spring and summer.
    Decided to jump in the fashion circle and just shared my kimona story today.
    Dont forget to share on #omhgff this week! Link included 🙂
    Thanks for the Linkhp.
    Have a great weekend!

  • Mary

    I love this idea as a series. And that is a beautiful kimono you found! (I’ve been playing a lot with olive green too…still finding a way to make my pieces feel non-Christmasy though, haha). Love this combination of colors on you!
    Mary
    https://windandspindle.com/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Mary, thanks so much! When I get inspired, I listen to it and run with it and have to share the source of my inspiration. It’s only fair, right?! I think to keep the olive green from looking too Christmasy, you need to keep the red in a very deep almost burgundy hue. Olive green is a great color on you, for sure! Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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