The Fab 40’s are Channeling 80’s Pop Icons
Last month, it was Candy Crush that inspired our outfits. This month, we have completely shifted gears with Suzy‘s chosen style prompt of 80’s Pop Icons.
When I think of the 1980’s and Pop Icons, Madonna immediately comes to mind. Remember her outfit from the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards when she performed Like A Virgin in her sexy corseted wedding dress with piles of pearls around her neck? I have always admired this woman’s willingness to take all the risks to get what she wants. And she certainly knows how to make a powerful statement with her wardrobe choices, too.
Always on the frontier of edgy fashion, she made it acceptable to wear lace and pearls for everyday occasions by combining them with contradictory elements like fishnet and distressed casual wear. Her Lucky Star outfit is another iconic 80’s look when she made her undergarments a visible part of her outfits. Honestly, when I think of Madonna, I think of her style long before I think of her music. I guess I liked her music well enough in the 80’s, the 90’s, and beyond but I don’t think it has ever been my very first choice of sound when I am tuning in for some musical soul healing. However, while I may not be her biggest musical fan, I am a very big fan of her personal style.
“I am my own experiment. I am my own work of art.”
Madonna
But not being fond of another’s specific art does not mean that I don’t respect and admire their talent and passion. In fact, that is exactly when talent and passion should be most respected and admired…when it is completely out of our own wheelhouse. Whether or not you are a fan of Madonna, you do have to admit that the woman has talent and passion. She also has an undying fortitude in overcoming just about any challenge that she has been faced with in her career. That, in and of itself, deserves a bit of respect.
“I’m tough, I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.”
Madonna
While I never condone bitchiness, I am a big supporter of tough, ambitious women who refuse to back down from challenges, who push the boundaries and limits that society place upon us, and who do it with a fearless confidence. Like Madonna. You can’t not admire a young girl from Michigan who makes her way to the big city with $35 in her pocket and then she wakes up one day and the whole world is referring to her as the Queen of Pop. Today, Madonna is considered one of the most influential figures in pop culture. Essentially, she was one of the biggest social influencers of her time long before that was even a term that we recognized.
“I wouldn’t have turned out the way I was if I didn’t have all those old-fashioned values to rebel against.”
Madonna
“I think the ultimate challenge is to have some kind of style and grace, even though you haven’t got money, or standing in society, or formal education. I had a very middle, lower-middle class sort of upbringing, but I identify with people who’ve had, at some point in their lives to struggle to survive. It adds another color to your character.”
Madonna
When it came to styling my outfit for this post, I knew I had to incorporate loads of pearls and lots of lace and fishnet. I also wanted to wear my new Dr. Martens that I treated myself to for this coming winter season. Although the boots aren’t very Madonna-esque circa 1980’s, they keep my outfit looking more modern and less like a Madonna costume.
Then I just kind of haphazardly started adding all the other things…leopard print tights, cut off shorts, a fishnet dress, a sheer top, a lacy bralette, and a leather jacket. I piled on a variety of pearl and chain necklaces and stacked up a bunch of bracelets on both arms. I completed the look with my cigar box Let’s Rock purse because that seemed like an obvious choice.
I really liked this outfit in the mirror before we headed out to take photographs. I should have learned by now how difficult all black outfits are to photograph. I combined lots of textures to keep myself from looking like a giant black blob in pictures, but still it is very difficult to capture it all in photos.
“I laugh at myself. I don’t take myself completely seriously. I think that’s another quality that people have to hold on to… you have to laugh, especially at yourself.”
Madonna
“I am because we are. We all bleed the same color. We all want to love and be loved.”
Madonna
Now let’s check out which 80’s icons inspired my fabulous friends. You have to click to their posts to see! Ada is sitting out this month but will be back with us soon. So this month we are only four instead of five.
The Fab 40’s is a group of five fashion bloggers from around the globe. Each month we choose a different theme with the goal of taking on style trends and showing 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.
Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks
I am loving this simple black and denim look on Daenel and it is spot on for her inspiration icon, too! I am just going to leave a few lyrics as a hint…
“Been around the world and I, I, I
I can’t find my baby
I don’t know when, I don’t know why
Why he’s gone away
And I don’t know where he can be, my baby
But I’m gonna find him…”
Mireille of Chez Mireille
Mireille is channeling some serious icon vibes in her all black outfit complete with combat boots and a blazer. Mireille’s 80’s pop icon choice is an unlikely one but she really did nail this look. Here’s a little lyrical hint…
“Alors regarde, regarde un peu
Je vais pas me taire parce que t’as mal aux yeux
Alors regarde, regarde un peu
Tu verras tout ce qu’on peut faire si on est deux”
Suzy of The Grey Brunette
How freaking cool is Suzy in her double denim outfit with layered necklaces? Here is a lyrical sample to help you figure out her inspiration…
“I’m crazy for you
Touch me once and you’ll know it’s true
I never wanted anyone like this
It’s all brand new
You’ll feel it in my kiss
I’m crazy for you, crazy for you”
And me!
“A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That’s why they don’t get what they want.”
Madonna
Who is your favorite pop icon from the 1980’s? In what ways did they inspire and influence you?
We are still looking for a few more bloggers in their 40’s who may be interested in joining this group either on a permanent basis or as a guest blogger appearing only occasionally with us. If you are interested, please let us know either in the comments or through email. We would love to expand this group by adding a few more members for some additional style diversity.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Jacket-Target / Net Dress-Torrid / Tights-Old Navy / Shirt, Shorts, Purse, and Some Necklaces-Thrifted / Boots-Dr. Martens / Other Jewelry-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.
47 Comments
Mica
I knew this would be Madona after the first pic – she does have such an iconic look and you really nailed it – I love the white jacket and pearls with this! Fun layering too 🙂
Hope you had a great weekend 🙂 We managed to enjoy some time outdoors despite the colder than usual spring weather!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Mica! Before I photographed this outfit, I didn’t want to be so predictable and was going to try for a Debbie Gibson or Prince inspired look but I just didn’t have the time to research the outfit inspiration I needed. Madonna was the easiest choice for me since a lot of my fashion choices have been inspired by her anyway!
I am glad you had a great weekend! My weekend took a lot of unexpected twists and turns but turned out to be a wonderful weekend as well.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Love this! How great it is to express your icons with outfits! Love all those necklaces together and that you all choose black!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! I wasn’t totally thrilled with this outfit but I was on limited time and had to make some snap decisions and get it done! Haha. I love that we all used black as our foundation as well. We look fabulous and badass!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
You described my feelings about Madonna perfectly. I’m the same way about Michael Jackson. Not my cup of musical tea, but a wildly talented guy.
And I think Madonna would approve of your outfit wholeheartedly. Well done! I’m digging it. And I can’t help but notice that black is strongly featured in all of your outfits. Says something about the era.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks, Michelle! I had a major shift in perspective about music in general a few years ago. I randomly decided to attend this tiny little music festival that was going on near my house. It was actually on the stage where I shot my Country Music Inspired outfit. Turns out it was a rap festival. As far as musical genres go, I have to say that rap sits basically at the bottom of my list. It just was never my thing. I want my music to relax me and rap does not do that. But I sat at this festival and watched at least a dozen rap artists perform. I paid attention and I listened and I learned to appreciate the art form that it is as well as the incredible talent that these artists possess. I am not going to add rap to my playlists any time soon, but I definitely appreciate it so much more than I ever did before.
We all got a kick out of the fact that black was the dominant color in all of or outfits! It really does speak to that generation, doesn’t it? I feel like our color choices were black, neon, or primary colors!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
Shelbee, you totally nailed this theme! I love that you chose Madonna too, but I had a feeling that you would! I’m.loving everything about your outfit, head to toe black is freaking fabulous!
And OMG the lyrics you chose….that was MY song back in the day!! I used to sing it to Michael on karaoke when I was very, very drunk LOL. He was always mortified lol, because I’m not known for my singing abilities!!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
OMG, Suzy, thank you so much! I am dying right now about the lyrics! I freaking loved Crazy For You so much! I love that your sang it badly to Michael on karaoke nights! Haha That is such a great story.
I think I probably stopped really listening to Madonna after her first two albums. But she is an undeniable force in music and fashion and we girls of the 80’s can’t help but to have felt her influence.
This was a fun theme! It’s my turn next and I am not sure what I want to do yet!
xoxo
Shelbee
Daenel T.
Ohmygosh! Hilarious.
mireille
I love the use of all of the layers! The ponytail is the icing on the cake for me with this outfit! You always to manage to add that one extra touch that solidifies the theme and drives it home. And what a treasure grove in your closet!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my gosh, thanks so much, Mireille! You really just made my day with this comment! I am smiling so big. I love to take a style challenge and run with it like a crazy person! Haha. It really is the very thing that fuels my creative soul. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for appreciating my creativity!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
I hadn’t thought about it, but I feel the same way about Madonna. I like her music, but it’s the statements she makes with her clothing I always think of. You think of a decade, and there is usually a Madonna look you can ascribe to it. I’m trying to think of which 80’s sound I liked best…and I’ve got to say probably the big hair bands and the women like Joan Jett and Pat Benatar. Love this look on you! What fun you must have had pulling it together.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Marsha! Oooh, I was definitely much more of big hair band girl in the later 80s! But I have two older sisters so I also was very much into the stuff they were listening to which was more classic rock that came out of the 60s and 70s…like Joan Jett and Pat Benatar. I did have a lot of fun creating this look! I just start layering pieces on and figure it out through trial and error! But that’s all just fun for me. I do love playing dress up and sharing my passion for it. I hope you have a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
You nailed it. Looking great. I love how you put it together. Great job.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! Happy Monday!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laurie
Bravo! What an excellent job you have done creating this look Shelbee xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laurie! This was a fun one!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
I thought “Madonna” before I even saw that’s who you picked!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hehe, thanks, Joanne! I think I have incorporated so many Madonna inspired elements into my daily style that her influence is usually apparent! Or maybe it is just the piles of necklaces! That’s like her trademark.
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
This is fun!! So retro but also edgy!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tamar!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
I actually like Madonna’s music, but I have to be in the mood to dance or party to listen to it. My style icon from the 80s would be either Cyndi Lauper or Annie Lennox. I remember how Cyndi’s half-shaved head just BOGGLED me! And there was actually a controversy over whether Annie was male or female, because she was wearing a suit (she’s very androgynous in the “Sweet Dreams” video). I loved the 80s fashion overall – I was a teen then and it just all stuck to me, baby.
Now, YOUR outfit, Shelbee – you are an icon unto yourself! I love this, from your awesome top-pony, down to your Docs (welcome to the club – I have two pairs). But my favourite part of this outfit is your cut-off shorts – this is such a modern touch! I review runway shows as they come out and this outfit is very much Chanel right now.
Love seeing all the outfits.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow, Sheila, what an amazing comment! Thank you so much for your kind words. Cyndi Lauper is way at the top of my list of 80s icons. I was OBSESSED with her half shaved head and plaid pants and tulle skirts! My older sister got a similar pair of plaid pants that I wanted so badly, but I was like 8 or something and they did not make cool clothes for 8 year olds in the 80s! I also considered doing a Debbie Gibson outfit just for fun. Although I was never much of a fan, I thought I could recreate a cute outfit of hers. And also Prince…but I just didn’t have the time to get creative enough to make Prince proud!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna
I don’t think that you ever miss the mark Shelbee and this Madonna’s inspired outfit has pvoved it once again. It’s hard to go pass such a bit star like her when you go back to 80’s. She would love your work, i am sure:)
lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Anna! What a lovely compliment! I definitely feel like a kindred spirit with people like Madonna…always pushing the boundaries and paving my own path. I hope your week is off to a great start!
xoxo
Shelbee
Pamela Graham
There’s no doubt that the look and attitude was Madonna’s challenge to the world of music and the catalyst that meant she was actually heard! You may have put your outfit together haphazardly today but it comes together so well.
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Pamela! Madonna is definitely a force in pop culture! She has impacted more people than the people probably even realize. She is also to be applauded for all of her humanitarian work. She truly is a fascinating and inspiring woman.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
You look absolutely amazing Shelbee!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks, Jennifer!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
Madonna is my girl and always will be! I never miss her shows and still buy her album. (yes she is still making them!). I adore all these quotes and appreciate the force of nature that she is. Love your inspired look! What a fun post!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! She really is a force of female empowerment, isn’t she?! I have always felt a bit of a kindred spirit with women like Madonna!
xoxo
Shelbee
Alexandra
Your hair looks awesome! Look just like a younger version of my mom. You put a smile on my face.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my goodness, Alexandra, that is the most wonderful comment ever! Thank you so very much.
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
Definitely agree with you on Madonna. Boy does she get a lot of criticism but I respect her for still being forcibly visible at 63 – and proving older women look sexy . Great style steal, if we can call it that. Loved her pearls and underwear looks. I saw her as a support act to David Bowie in the early 80s!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gail! She really is a force to be respected especially from a liberated woman’s point of view. I have always admired her and I have always loved the pearls and visible underwear! How freaking cool that she saw Madonna AND David Bowie in the 80s! I bet that carries some seriously wonderful memories for you.
xoxo
Shelbee
Daenel T.
You nailed the outfit and my feelings about Madonna.
Your outfit is perfect. I love the black on black on black. And all the texture. Those boots are everything.
The lyrics you shared…💕
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hehe, thanks so much, Daenel! This was such a fun theme and I really like how it pushed us all a little bit! Now I have to get thinking about some menswear styles for next month!
xoxo
Shelbee
Junhui cheng
Love your inspired look! What a fun post!
https://www.diyfreezerbag.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Junhui! I really appreciate that!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lisa | Handmade in Israel
Nice Dr. Martens! I remember dressing in netting, fingerless gloves and beads in the 80s and trying to rock the Madonna look. Not sure I would try it now but you look terrific!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lisa! I don’t think I ever outgrew playing dress up so it still feels good to me to put on some wildly crazy outfit! I love that you rocked the Madonna style in the 80s! You should give it a try again even if it’s just for a Halloween costume or something silly and fun! Have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
I knew you were Madonna inspired just by the fishnets and pearls! well done! I agree, we can appreciate and respect her tenacity and strength. I liked some of her songs, and of course, Like a Virgin was classic! I beleive Suzy’s is Heart ( lead singer, Ann Wilson) I love that band! Im a little stumped on the others. It was a fun choice for a theme.
There are so many songs from the 80s I have memorized lyrics too! I would have had a fun time with this.
Love the textured look of your top- yes, both black and white are tricky to photograph!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! This was a super fun theme for creating an outfit. And I totally would wear this outfit out somewhere if I had somewhere to go! Actually Suzy was inspired by Madonna as well but I can see some Heart inspiration there, too! The others were definitely a little trickier because their inspirations are not as mainstream as Madonna. I hope you have a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Helen Fern
You go girl!! Thank you so much for sharing at the Big Fat Menopausal Life’s Share the Wealth party! Have a wonderful week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Helen! I do have fun playing dress up and sharing the results! Have a wonderful week ahead!
xoxo
Shelbee
Grace
I can’t get over how fun this style prompt is!!! I think you knocked the Madonna inspiration out of the park! I agree, I like her style more than her music, but this makes me think maybe I should go as Madonna for Halloween one of these years… although I’m sure none of my peers would recognize me lol. But I love the 80s and big hair and fishnets! I totally would’ve rocked a perm had I been alive, haha.
Thanks so much for joining my linkup! Hope you’re having a great end to your week.
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Grace! I would absolutely love to see you in an 80’s Madonna costume! You would totally rock it! I just laughed so hard at your comment “I totally would’ve rocked a perm had I been alive”. While the perm comment is hilarious, the “had I been alive” part made me realize just how damn old I am! And that gave me a big giant chuckle. Thanks for that, my friend. I hope you have an amazing weekend ahead!
xoxo
Shelbee