The Fab 40’s Got All Laced Up

August 27, 2018 / 28 Comments
This is not a sponsored post.

Oh, this blogging journey leads me places I never would have imagined. I feel connected to people whom I have never met or have met only once or twice. We seem to form these bonds on the level of shared interests and common passions. We seem to possess a mutual commitment to empowering and supporting others, to consistently shining in this dark world with infinite love and kindness.

I cannot remember exactly when or how or who found whom first, but somehow the universe decided that my amazing friend Sheela should come into my life. Or perhaps the universe decided that I should come into Sheela’s life. Or maybe a little bit of both. But whenever and however this connection occurred, I feel as if my life has been that much more enriched because of it. Call it a girl crush or a simply a high level of respect for another woman and her story, Sheela not only writes, but she rocks. Plain and simple as that. And I am blessed to witness her journey and call her my friend.

I have collaborated with Sheela a few different times in the past. The first time was two years ago when she invited me to join a themed collaboration post where a few fabulous bloggers, including Sheela’s exquisite daughter Eve, joined forces and we got all choked up. Then in February of 2017, Sheela made her way to NYFW and I met her there for a little face to face girl talk. And wow, what a great time we had. It was as if we had been friends forever. And one of my favorite ever styling challenges came when Sheela invited me to join The Fab 40’s in March of 2017 for a Disney princess theme.

And now here I am again, invited back to join The Fab 40’s as Sheela’s guest again for a new theme of Laced-Up. But I want to tell you first how this invitation transpired. A few weeks back, I was startled awake from a really disturbing dream. For some odd reason, it left me worried about Sheela’s daughter Eve. It bothered me all morning. As I tried to just let it go and move on with my day, I simply could not feel at ease. So I emailed dear Sheela, hoping I didn’t sound like a complete lunatic.

Me: “Hey Sheela! So I don’t want to freak you out at all, but I have been having some of the strangest dreams lately that have been fucking up my sleep pretty severely. I don’t know why. But last night, I was startled awake by a very unpleasant dream that involved Eve. And I just wanted to reach out to you and make sure she is well…and thriving in the fabulous way that she does. Please let me know so my mind and heart can rest easy!”

Thankfully, Sheela did not think I was a complete nut as evidenced by her response…

Sheela: “Eve is her usual fabulous, warped and acerbic self. I just read your email to her and she went like, ‘That is so random. And so sweet.’ Thank you from my heart xoxo”

I do hope that neither Sheela nor Eve mind terribly that I am sharing this personal email correspondence. As it does not reveal much of anything other than that “mutual commitment to empowering and supporting others, to consistently shining in this dark world with infinite love and kindness” that I mentioned above, I figured it was harmless to share as well as being valuable in illustrating how amazing these connections can be and how I became this month’s Fab 40’s guest blogger.

Me: “It was totally random and I woke up in the middle of it and was like ‘What the fuck?!’ So naturally, I had to check in! I am glad to hear that she is her usual fabulous, warped, and acerbic self! Thank you for putting me at ease. Much love to you both.”

Sheela: “LOL. She hated that I used the word acerbic as an adjective to describe her GRIN. By the by, would you do me the honour of being my guest for the Fab 40s this month? I feel as though the theme of laced-up was made for you at this moment in your life.”

Well, I cannot refuse an invitation like that, can I? I have been quite obsessed with lace and lacing details of late. Naturally, I agreed to participate. And then I panicked! What if I had already styled all my lacy things and had nothing left to share? Well, I needed to dig deep into my wardrobe archives for some fabulous pieces to throw together in order to meet my own high styling expectations. So dig deep I did and this is what I came up with…this lace kimono which I have worn on the blog before for a New Year’s Eve post. This lace up corset belt that has appeared a few times on the blog, here and here. The shoes that made their appearance in The Midlife Sex Conundrum (paired with some cute lace ankle socks, of course) and this dress that showed up here. I took all of these pieces straight out of my closet and paired them together in a brand new way. Hopefully, it is sassy and racy enough to make my dear friend Sheela smile that glorious smile that overtakes her beautiful face when she is sartorially pleased!

Now that I shared that long story of how it came to pass that I was invited to join The Fab 40’s this month, you may be wondering what on earth the story has to do with the laced up theme. I have to be honest, I am wondering the same thing. The most direct answer I can give is that it has nothing whatsoever to do with the theme. Nothing at all. It is just where my mind wondered when I sat down to type and so I shared it.  And now I am going to just leave it at that and walk away with my head held high in all my laced up glory.

Outfit Details: 
Dress and Clutch: Old Navy
Kimono: Charlotte Russe
Corset Belt: Torrid
Shoes: DSW
Necklace: Happiness Boutique

About The Fab 40’s: The Fab 40’s is a group of five stylish fashion bloggers from around the globe. Each month we choose a different theme and invite a guest blogger who is also in their forties to join us. This group’s goal is to take on style trends and show how we each interpret and incorporate them into our own lives. With six 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 40. (c/o Jennie)

And now I present you with the five sublime ladies of The Fab 40’s and their personal interpretations of this laced up theme.

Sheela of Sheela Writes has delivered the badassery that I always expect from her…she is a woman with the power, strength, fortitude, and courage to face this world unapologetically true to herself. This laced up outfit speaks volumes about the tenacity and might that Sheela brings to the world every day. Even if she sometimes doubts it herself, our strengths often lie within the deepest recesses of our weaknesses. Rock on, my badass friend.

Sheela of Sheela Writes
Outfit Details:
Laced-Up Jeans – Mango
Top – Kenzo
Shoes – I can’t remember
Jacket – Blank NYC
Leather Cuff – c/o Unearthed.etsy.com
Sunnies – Chanel

 

Ann of Kremb de la Kremb who rocks sneakers like no other woman I have ever met has laced up her clunky new treads with a pinstripe power suit that screams, “Not only am I a total badass, but I encompass all things that scream the abundant power of femaleness.”

Ann of Kremb de la Kremb

Outfit Details:
Earrings–one pair from Forever 21, the other pair from Zara
White Ribbed Tank–Rite Aid
Striped Short Suit–A New Day from Target
Boom Box Bag–random boutique from Ladies’ Street in Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Socks–Forever 21
Sneakers–Fila Disruptor

Suzy of Suzy Turner: Pixie Chick in Portugal has proven how magnificently a new pair of shoe laces can transform one woman’s sneakers into shoes that equip you to conquer the freaking world. She is the epitome of the feminine force that can accomplish all the amazing things in this world.

Suzy of Suzy Turner: Pixie Chick in Portugal

Outfit Details:
Skirt: Primark
Black top: Pull & Bear
Pink handbag: gift from mother-in-law
Shoes: Converse All Stars
Pink ribbon: Flying Tiger

Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots went sexy, sassy, lacy, and racy with this femme fatale ensemble in black lace. Her cool denim jacket has made her approachable, but beware of the power of the black lace beneath the down to earth denim. Like a siren in the night, she will capture you with all the magical forces of femininity.

Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots

Outfit Details:
Jacket – NY&Co.
Lace Tank – Loft
Lace Skirt – Worthington
Lace Pumps – Joey O
Jewelry – Various
Tote – Amazon

Mary of Curlybyrdie Chirps is marvelously stunning in her red lace dress that screams sexy and edgy paired with these lace up booties that have more attitude than Kanye West.  Her studded bag says, “Don’t mess with me because I’m only just beginning.” 

Mary of Curlybyrdie Chirps

Outfit Details:
Dress- Shein
Shoes – Jcpenney
Purse – Goodwill
Earrings – Target

And that wraps up The Fab 40’s-All Laced Up. Be sure to go visit my fabulous friends!

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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