Romance & Ruffles | May Stylish Monday Link Up
Romance and Ruffles is the theme this month for our Stylish Monday Link Party. While I am a hopeless romantic and a total love junkie, ruffles are a thing of scarcity in my closet. I have a few bits and pieces that have a ruffled hem or some flouncy tiers but none of them were really speaking to me as I got to thinking about this style prompt. And if the clothing isn’t speaking to me then I am not hearing it or seeing it or wearing it.
I almost declined to participate this month because of my lack of ruffled motivation and then I remembered this bold and dramatic kimono that has giant bell sleeves and lots of flounce at the hem. I had photographed this outfit way back in the beginning of April when I put a dozen tiny braids in my hair for my Soundsuit Style Imitating Art prompt. I think I need to braid my hair like this more often because I really do like it. It’s a little bit crazy but it works well with my summertime hippie vibes.
This kimono is a newly acquired piece in my wardrobe that I found on clearance during a recent Torrid shopping spree. I immediately fell in love with the mixed prints and the dramatic details on this gorgeous topper piece. It will make a statement no matter what I pair it with this season.
For this look, I wanted to style this thrifted denim mermaid skirt that my sister insisted I buy when were on our last thrifting trip together back in February. It was $3 at the Salvation Army thrift shop and I was super hesitant to buy it because mermaid style skirts don’t usually work that well on my frame. The fitting rooms were not yet opened so I couldn’t try it on. But it felt like a high quality denim and it was a really cute skirt so I figured it was worth the $3 to take a chance and step outside of my comfort zone a bit.
When I tried the skirt on at home, I was pleasantly surprised that it fit perfectly. It has a bit of stretch which always helps with fitted garments made from denim. Although this style still is not the most flattering on me, I could conceal the less flattering spots with my giant kimono. Since this kimono is so eye-catching in its own right, I figure you won’t be paying much attention to my lumps and bumps and weirdly accented parts hugged tight in a denim mermaid skirt.
Playing off the colors in the kimono and sticking with the whole mixed print idea, I added a pink tie dye long sleeve henley top and accessories in shades of teal, turquoise, and mint. My brown cowboy boots are also a newly acquired thrift shop find. They were $7 which is incredible for quality leather cowboy boots. I always check out the footwear when I go thrifting as cowboy boots are at the top of my list. I am on a mission to accumulate a fun and interesting collection of cowboy boots, both new and preloved. To date, I think I have 10 pairs of Western style boots in my closet.
Now let’s see how my stylish friends have gotten romantic in their ruffles.
Stylish Monday is a monthly series published in collaboration with a group of 14 international fashion and lifestyle bloggers. It is another opportunity to be creative with our personal style as we join together each month with a style prompt or theme. We also host a link party where anyone is welcome to add their personal style posts. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the party.
Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood
“This lovely yellow dress has been in my closet for over a decade (it’s by Express). I wore it to our Florida vacation last year. Since the ‘challenge’ was all about ruffles and flounce I decided to go full steam with this fully-ruffled dress. It reminds me a little bit of the 20s from a century ago.”
Ada
Amy of Amy’s Creative Pursuits
“I always like it when clothing items have a little extra detail added to them. The ruffle on the bottom of this chambray skirt is flirty and fun! It wouldn’t be as interesting if it was just a typical A-line skirt.”
Amy
Andy of Pearls and Pantsuits
“I’ll confess, ruffles aren’t exactly my thing, since I don’t really need any extra fluff on my already fluffy pear shaped body! This top has a delicate ruffle detail around the wrist, and the floral print adds the touch of romance that is so big this season.”
Andy
Brigitte of Brigitte Marie Foret
“I love incorporating ruffles into my everyday looks, because they add a subtle femininity to any outfit. Ruffles possess the ability to transform any basic garment into an elevated statement piece. Whether worn during the week, or for a special occasion, ruffles are definitely an element of clothing that I enjoy wearing.”
Brigitte
Emma of Style Splash
“I love ruffles and frills – especially on blouses – because they add a bit of drama to an outfit. I bought this red one a few years ago in a sale and never get bored with it.”
Emma
Julie of Fashion Trends and Friends
“Ruffles add details and interest! I’m all about them both big and small. They make an impact and elevate an outfit!”
Julie
Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi
“Ruffles are fashion’s way of telling you not to take styling too seriously-lighten up! Loving this ruffle theme-so freeing (and it also helps that this blouse is in my very favourite Spring colour)! “
Lucy
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
“This is my beloved ruffle blouse. It’s an old one and I don’t wear it often, but those ruffles are so perfect to me. And I love the color combination and the kind of preppy look, but the punky feel that the blouse gives me. I need a black one too, of course. But this one, although it’s not my favorite color, has the perfect ruffles. The only thing that I need from a black blouse are ruffles at the cuffs! So if you happen to see one, give me a sign!”
Nancy
Nicole of High Latitude Style
“I am not a ruffle person. Thus, this dress is just a tryout of the current trend. The plan was to cut the ruffle off if I wouldn’t like it. I am still undecided whether to cut or not to cut it off. What do you think?”
Nicole
Suzanne of Ask Suzanne Bell
“Flirty and fun, ruffles add a touch of femininity to any outfit, which is something I’m looking for these days. Whether it’s an extra flounce on a dress or skirt or a big ruffle on top, give it a try and enjoy a little extra spring in your step all day long!”
Suzanne
And Me!
“I don’t have a lot of ruffled things in my wardrobe, but I do love the dramatic flounce that can often be found in kimono styles. Big flared bell sleeves and a wide flounce at the bottom of a mixed pattern kimono paired with a denim mermaid skirt seemed to fit the theme this month.”
Shelbee
Featured Favorite
Sabina of Oceanblue Style at Manderley shared her post, Forgotten Items in My Closet that Deserve More Attention. I am swooning over her coordinated pajama set that screams Everyday Luxe from head to toe. Such a cool look.
Do you wear ruffles and flounce? Or maybe it’s just not your thing. But sometimes it is really fun to get fancy and step outside of your comfort zone.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Kimono-Torrid / Top-Old Navy / Skirt and Boots-Thrifted / Hat-Linda Gibbs Handmade / Belt, Necklace, and Earrings-Old
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.
46 Comments
Nancy
I actualy never think of romance with ruffles! I’m not a romantic at all! But I do love ruffles!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
And I am the opposite, Nancy! I am a hopeless romantic but don’t wear ruffles very often! Looking forward to our video chat tomorrow!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
That duster is such a cool print!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jennifer! I do love it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
That kimono is so neat with the flounced hem and mismatched patterns! I do tend to have quite a few summer and spring shirts with a bit of ruffle on them and I too think of them as more romantic and dressy; usually wearing them for a date night.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Joanne! Ruffles are definitely fun to wear and right now I feel like I want to dress up more now that the weather is getting nicer! I hope you have a fabulous week ahead!
xoxo
Shelbee
8
I have zero ruffles, and whenever I spend time with my granddaughter, I become aware of how badly I need ruffles and sequins in my life!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my gosh, Michele! I love that your granddaughter is making ruffles and sequins seem like a necessity! Because they are! Go get bedazzled, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
I love the boho print of the duster and the skirt is so perfect paired with it. THanks so much for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! This outfit definitely makes me feel happy and that is the most wonderful thing we can get from our wardrobes! Have a happy Monday, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
That is such a fun, flowy look!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tamar! Happy Monday!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
I just love how romantic this outfit looks! It has a great Boho vibe too. You always know how to completely create a fantastic look from head to toe.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my gosh, Amy, thank you so much for that compliment! I do enjoy pouring my creativity into my outfits and wardrobe. I used to think it was vain, but now I realize that it is my primary method of self expression and that is a beautiful thing. And definitely not something that I should feel shame about. I love these style prompts and challenges and seeing all the different creative looks that we each come up with! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
Such great pattern mixing on the Kimono! I think it would also make a great cover up for a simple shorts and t-shirt outfit in the summer too! What a great buy and I think the skirt was a steal too! From seeing these pictures I acctually think it’s quite figure flattering!
Thanks for co-hosting the linkup!
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ellie, thanks so much! I definitely plan to wear this kimono a lot this summer over cut off shorts and tank tops! Or even over my sundresses. I was definitely pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking this mermaid style denim skirt. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
Some amazing thrifted finds in this outfit! Your braids just complete the look perfectly. I am glad you photographed the kimono from the back too: it makes an entrance and an amazing exit too.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mireille, thanks so much! I always have to capture the back of the kimonos! That is often the best part of them. I need to braid my hair like this again. It makes me happy!
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
Love this of course! Romance and ruffles are up my alley! 🙂 I love your long jean skirt too, I would love one, but am just shopping poshmark lately and buying secondhand… will have to see! That kimono is something special!
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! I had a feeling you would appreciate this fun kimono and the romance and ruffles theme. I hope you find your long denim skirt! My sister is the one who spotted this one in the thrift shop. And for the $3 price tag, I figured I would give it a try. If it didn’t work, I could just list it on Poshmark! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Regine Karpel
So fun. You’re stunning in this look. Happy Monday.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Regine! I hope your week is off to a fabulous start!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzanne Bell
Hi Shelbee!
I’m so thrilled that you elected to participate this month because what a missed opportunity it would have been to share this fabulous look, it might be my favorite ever. From your hair to the steal you got on this denim skirt – everything about this look is some thing I want to try to re-create!!
On a side note, you win for mastering the best format this month. It’s so readable and enjoyable!
xx
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Suzanne, thank you so much for your kind words! I am super happy that I joined this month with this fun boho outfit! This is how I feel like my inner soul would dress and I look forward to seeing how you interpret the look into your personal style! I am sure it will be brilliant! Now to get myself into the fruity mood for next month!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
Ooh, I love this big swooshy kimono topper, Shelbee! It’s Drama with a capital D! I have so many ruffles in my wardrobe – I’m not quite sure how that happened, actually!
Those cowboy boots are awesome. I am a fan of mermaid skirts – they work really well on my body for some reason. That denim skirt is solid, but do you find that high slit to be a tad revealing? 🙂
Thanks so much for the link-up!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Sheila, thanks so much! This kimono is definitely one of my favorites because of the drama! This is the only mermaid skirt I own as they are rather intimidating to me! But I laughed about the slit being too revealing…my first reaction when I read that was, “Oh no, did I flash my panties in some of these photos?!” And I had to go check to make sure! Haha. But no, the high slit doesn’t phase me. I wear super short skirts all the time that reveal much more! My legs are my very best feature and so I will show them off when ever I can! I hope you are having a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
I love ruffles and your all look fabulous in yours. They really add interest to a look and lots of my jumpers and blouses have frills and ruffles. Thanks for sharing Shelbee. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Jacqui! I am starting to appreciate ruffles a bit more these days and think I will be adding more to my closet. Ruffled blouses are at the top of my thrift shop search list! I hope you are having a wonderful week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Rena
Shelbee,
F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!! I adore ruffles and I say “go big or go home” when deciding on how much is too much. And you’ve definitely gone big with your kimono (in a good way, of course). And your hair … brilliant as well.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Rena! I need to get my hair in tiny braids again! I really had fun with it styled this way. And this kimono is definitely a statement maker and one of my favorites in my large collection! I hope you are having a wonderful week, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
That’s a fabulous kimono! I love the boho vibe, it’s so pretty!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Emma! It is one of my favorite kimonos, for sure!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashley
I am a lover of both ruffles and kimonos, this definitely pairs the two beautifully with the pretty details of the kimono! You look beautiful as always, my friend! Hope you have the most amazing week!
Make Life Marvelous
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Ashley! I definitely felt very much “myself” in this outfit. You know kimonos are totally my jam! I hope your week is off to a fabulous start as well, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lisa notes
You’re so striking in your ruffles! I don’t know that I have the presence to wear them, but you sure can pull it off and look great. 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lisa, thanks so much! I am not much of a ruffly person but if it’s a kimono, I will wear it and rock it! Haha. They are my favorite category of garments! I hope you are having a fabulous week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lovely
You are brilliant with you color combinations and pattern mixings. This kimono is beautiful!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lovely! This outfit definitely made me happy! I hope you are having a fantastic week so far!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
That kimono is ruffle heaven!! I’ve never seen one this gorgeous! I love the shot of how it looks blowing in the wind! Spectacular! And the mermaid skirt is divne:) xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Lucy! I was super excited when I found this kimono on the Torrid clearance rack! I can’t remember what I paid for it but it was definitely under $20! And I imagine I will wear this one on repeat this spring and summer! Have a lovely day, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Ada Furxhi
That long kimono duster with the oversized fun ruffled floral sleeves is gorgeous and I love it on you. It is perfect the way you styled it with all your bohemian pieces. Even-though you don’t own a lot of ruffles you did so good with this challenge, Shelbee. I was finally able to post. I had the most stressful Monday with doctor’s appointments and more appointments and worry!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ada, thanks so much, my friend! Boho styles really suit my soul! Although there are many facets of my soul so other style genres seem to suit my soul equally well! I will be over to read your post soon. I hope everything went well at your doctors’ appointments and you have less worry now! Sending positive thoughts and energy your way.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Like you, I don’t have a lot of ruffles or lace, but I love that kimono and it works perfectly with your outfit. So freakin’ cool! 😄
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! I think I want some more ruffled things now!
xoxo
Shelbee
Julie Augustyn
Shelbee,
I’m so glad you decided to participate this month because I love your kimono and wonderful denim mermaid skirt! The whole look is fabuously fun! I truly look forward to seeing your monthly interpretation of our themes!
Julie xo
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Julie, thank you so much! I have so much fun with style prompts and themes! They have literally gotten me through this past year! And all of the ladies in this group are so fun. I love seeing all the different styles!
xoxo
Shelbee