Hi everyone! I've been shopping the absolute rock bottom clearance of summer shoes this week. Minnesota is located in the upper midwest of the US and we can be a practical sort of people. This time of year as thoughts of arctic weather truly isn't that far away, the wonderfully outrageous footwear is just waiting for some impractical lady like me to pick them up for a steal. A woman in her eighties was sitting by me when I was trying on these shoes. She said, "Honey if you can walk in those shoes, you should get them!"
The shoes, bracelet and necklace were an inexpensive purchase. I've been eyeing pants with a stripe down the side of the leg and remembered I did have some I have not worn for years. Then I added a old BCBG silk caftan top and the outfit is complete.
I been thinking a lot about why I'm blogging. I hope you find my blog to be an inspiration point, especially to the 40 plus crowd. If your life can swing it, get your groove on! I'm seeing so much inspiration out there amongst the wide variety of blogs made by all ages of women. We deserve to feel good, feel our power and go out into the world and be seen.
pants--ellen tracy
top--bcbg
bracelet--bcbg
necklace--forever 21
shoes--vince camuto
location--a small structure on the grounds of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
links
friday's fancies
life of the party
not dead yet style
rolled pretty
the pleated poppy
shoe shine
what I wore to work
working girl with style
friday's five
Wow, this is so good. Both the pictures, the styling, the setting, the putfit and you in it. Perfect. I really enjoy your blog. It is like looking at art and at the same time be inspired to incorporate some of your ideas into my own outfits. As you saw in my recent post, I copy happily. LOL
ReplyDeleteAnd I have wondered a lot as well why I blog, questioning my motives. But I have stopped wondering now. I like it, other people like it and I put comments in perspective.
Greetje
I like this conclusion Greetje. My life is surrounded by mostly artistic people, not fashion types so I do get some questioning glances when I explain this new venture. I think I've found some freedom here in blogging. Especially with this post. I see a joy in these pictures and think I have finally come though the other side of the grief I have felt about my mom's passing.
DeleteThat alone (helping you get over the worst of your grief) is validating your blogging.
DeleteLet's not questioning our motives. I have decided I am not narcistic (is that the right word?, I don't need constant applause. It is just an innocent hobby which brings me a lot of social contacts. Although I still am trying to balance with my friends in real life. They are more important than virtual friends, aren't they not?
Lovely and sophisticated look, Gina, you look beautiful. I love your blouse is cute and you are fantastic pants. The shoes are spectacular and beautiful. Jewelry is magnificent. Great post, you look chic and elegant.
ReplyDeleteGina? I do not understand why I called Gina? I apologize for my confusion, Ann. Excuse me.
DeleteNo problem Josep, I see your comments on many blogs. I'm thinking you write many each day and I'm sure everyone appreciates them as I do.
DeleteWow, fantastic look, Ann! I love your high waisted trousers, they are sophisticated indeed and your sandals are absolutely stunning!
ReplyDeleteFabulous photos again and I always look forward to your next post.
Have a lovely weekend,
Annette | Lady of Style
Ann you are totally rocking this look:). And your location, as always, is just amazing. This is a special post, and I am glad you blog. This community is like an extended group of friends who encourage and inspire me daily. I look forward to your posts and find much inspiration in them.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know your rock side! Your pants are perfect on you and your sandals...wow!
ReplyDeleteI love your first photo...it shows you as...a work of art!!
Thanks Deborah. Yesterday was the day of our anniversary. We visited the husband's Father and went to the Landscape Arboretum fully expecting to take some pictures in a rose garden but I saw this modern structure and thought it was perfect. This spot had some special vibe. Almost sacred yet not solemn, more uplifting and positive.
ReplyDeleteso elegant, love that top
ReplyDeleteYou are ready for any party!
ReplyDeleteWonderful.
Di
xxx
I'm glad you shared the location. I'm always intrigued by your photo locations, particularly this one. At first I was thinking a barn...a very modern and artistic barn. I do indeed find inspiration from your blog Ann, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe shoes are HOT. The whole outfit is very edgy, something we don't see so much with you. It is great that you are trying new styles.
ReplyDeleteThe shot of you on the little platform makes me think of stores where they have mannequins on mirrored turntables.
I used to wonder why I blogged. Then my husband got seriously sick and I got very ill, all in the stretch of 6 months. That changed my perspective on blogging. It wasn't about the outfits or the crafts or marketing. It was about connecting with other people.
I think blogs are like people, they develop and change as we do.
I appreciate the art you bring to your blog through your photos. I'm always learning about angles and backgrounds.
bisous
Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne, you make some great points. I'm finding the connection with women interesting also. I'm liking the edgy styling I'm seeing for fall. I used to dress in a minimal fashion and I'm moving toward it again. I do adore a vintage styling, maybe i will give it a rest for awhile.
DeleteI'm not 40 yet, but I love your blog. I just found you...and I'm jealous of the autumn and winter you're about to get, as I live in Florida. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteSarah @ fillupyourmug.blogspot.com
Please don't let anyone question what you are doing. I think this is absolutely one of the best fashion blogs I read (I READ TONS). Your perspective is stunning (like the picture of the shoes above!) I learn from your styling ...yes, but it's your presentation that I am adoring..the art of it all.
ReplyDeleteI would so love it if you would link this up to the Verizon Voices Fashionista Style hop for this past week. I would love for you to be the closing entry in the set! http://www.modlychic.com/2013/09/verizon-voices-fashionista-style-hop-september-3.html Thanks for linking up that gorgeous necklace last week as well (I tried to win!)
I love your blog! I love the way you blend your outfit and location into wonderful images, and your clothes are always so classy.
ReplyDeleteI also questioned my own blogging since I'm not that much into fashion. But I've been so inspired by seeing how other people dress, and it's made me think outside the box. At the same time, it's helping me hone my personal style sense. Mostly, though, it's just creative. I enjoy the writing and putting the posts together, and I enjoy keeping up with women all around the world!
I enjoy your writing and creative approach to all the different post you make. Thanks for all your comments Val.
DeleteAh you bought the shoes, so you can walk in them. The shoes are fantastic. The whole outfit is so elegant, but stylish
ReplyDeleteGlamupyourlifestyle.blogspot.de
Your ensemble is amazing,and the artistic setting always an inspiration, dear Ann.
ReplyDeleteXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ps: any chance of removing the WORD VERIFICATION, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh Such a nightmare.
Have a lovely Sunday, my fiend from Minnesota.
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Love the print on your top! The accessories and shoes all work so well together too! :)
ReplyDeleteAway From The Blue
How fabulous, Ann - both the deals and the "disco unplugged" setting! The light effects and the piping detail on that blouse are superb elements. As you know, I am a huge fan of you and your blog.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it was a range of factors, including (but not limited to) these: my social circle had shrunk so much post-illness and I'd lost some of my oldest friendships. Besides having no one to talk to anymore about clothes-related stuff, I had limited energy for IRL socializing. I was developing a chronic case of front-of-closet-itis and only wearing the same few things rather than enjoying everything I have. Blogging revitalized my relationships with friends as well as with my own wardrobe!
I am enjoying the exchange of ideas with likeminded people and the blogging world. I had no idea I would enjoy this because writing is so not my thing but the more I do the easier it gets.
DeleteAnn this is awesome! I love your styling and I especially love looking at your perfect teeth, such a beautiful smile! You are always inspiring in the way you present your images. I enjoy your blog very much. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Gabriala, I enjoy your blog also. When I was young I had a large space between my two front teeth so I had braces. My Mom would have appreciated your comment because she was instrumental in making my smile.
DeleteAmazing look, Ann! You can completely pull this off! I hope you will stop by and register to win the necklace I am giving away...it would look amazing on you!!
ReplyDeleteI am really into mixing up prints right now and I think it's really fun to do it with accessories as this necklace has a mix of metals which goes with the mixed detailing of your blouse. The shoes are amazing and tie everything together. Such a gorgeous outfit!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the horizontal slats of this architecturally gorgeous wood wall. We have a similar horizontal wood slat fence in our front yard.
Thanks for all your comments on my blog. I appreciate your support and I will go over to your blog tonight and do the same!
DeleteI always feel like a record player whenever I comment on your site because it's always the same. I love the outfit, would wear it in a heartbeat and I want your shoes and jewelry. Perhaps I should try and see if I can get any more sale buys. You seem to be doing so great. You definitely give the 40+ crowd a lot of inspiration and you show that having fun with fashion never has to stop. (only thing I don't like, is that I have to put the google passwords in whenever I comment, even when I'm logged in with my google account...Usually multiple times as I can never read them. Any chance you can get rid of that?)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sylvia for your comments. I seem to live in "the black hole" of fashion and do mean this as wonderful thing. Our major department stores buy really stylish things and so often they hit rock bottom prices. Minneapolis is a growing city and is hip in many ways. I live just on the edge of the city and shop at a suburban mall so this works in my benefit when it comes to the monthy budget.
DeleteI read everything on bloglovin' so I will look into it.
I have added your blog to my blog list so I can follow you on a more regular basis. Your outfits and your photography continue to inspire me. I want to improve my own camera skills and be more creative in my styling--like you!
ReplyDeleteLove the shoes. Personally I don't know how to walk in heels, but I can admire them. Your outfit and photos are great.
ReplyDeleteloving those shoes to pieces and you have killer legs!!!
ReplyDeleteI love all of the lines in this post! Vertical, horizontal and diagonal everywhere and then your solid colors. Very well done!
ReplyDeleteAnn, I just wanted to say thank you for your beautiful blog. I am always inspired by your art, your fashion, your photography and your writings. The world of 40+ style bloggers has brought so much joy and inspiration to me. And, you stand out among my favorites!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rebecca for all your comments today and in the past. I also think the 40 plus bloggers are special and I can tell by your comments so are you!
DeleteDarling Ann ... you're reaching your goal if you wish to inspire. You're a constant happy surprise and a style tutor every time you dress and show out. Always! Killer shoes and a great buy, those were.
ReplyDeleteThe rest of your outfit is just like you ... sleek, sophisticated and not without a sense of fun.
Great spot, too. Excellent photography, Mr. Blue-Hue!
Make no mistake, your blog, and especially the composition of your photos, is absolutely an inspiration for my own work. Add to that your impeccable taste and unwavering eye for a bargain and there's not much higher praise that can be given!
ReplyDeleteAlicia
What an interesting location for the photo-shoot! That's what makes your blog unique - unusual and beautiful backgrounds of your photos that somehow always match the outfits. You look stunning in this black and golden outfit!
ReplyDeleteYour blog inspires with each and every post, Ann. Your style, photos and creativity always light up the screen. Those shoes were made for dancing, and 'practical' can be highly overrated.
ReplyDeleteBlogging has brought so much to my life. This ever expanding 40+ community gives many gifts!
I'm with you, practical is overrated.
DeleteYou're an inspiration to the 30-plus crowd, as well! I definitely come to your blog for inspiration -- for style, accessories, and photo backdrops. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen, I enjoy hearing younger women are following my blog. I follow many blogs by women in their 30's and I don't understand why there isn't more mixing of all ages in the blogging conversations. I often write on blogs done by younger bloggers, just as I do with women of my age group, and rarely hear back with any comments.
DeleteThose shoes and you were meant to be together!
ReplyDeleteThe best reason to blog: to inspire others and you do it well my dear!
AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING! And the shoes ain't too bad either. You've got killer style! Yes please blog to share not just YOUR style but the fact that it's something different. It's artistic it's genuine and full of vibrancy. Love the shoes. Yay deals on killah shoes! Thank you for sharing and thank you for sharing them at Shoe Shine today!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bella for your supportive comments. it really means a lot to me. You are a leader in the 40 plus crowd and appreciate hearing this from you.
DeleteI really like your blog because it's a refreshing change from the trend-obsessed youngsters that seem to be dominating the blogosphere these days. I like the elegant and timeless look for most of your outfits, and hope you keep this up!
ReplyDeleteI love those shoes! They're very unique.
xx
Sophisticated Lace
Thanks Karmilla, I appreciate your thoughts. I have a large collection of clothes from way back in time. So I add older item to newer purchases so they read differently than the way they would if i showed only current styling.
DeleteOh Ann! Thank you for your ever so nice words of admiration. That is so kind and wonderful to hear, esp coming from you. I really love your posts and your artistic talents in your photos. You made my DAY!
ReplyDeleteHey Renae I think I see the direction you are going.....style wise. it's fun to see you looking so comfortable in front of the camera. Your genuine smile tells me this.
DeleteSo sophisticated and gorgeous! I love this look and the photography is amazing! Thanks so much for linking with Fashion Informant and sharing your fabulous style with us!!
ReplyDeleteSherry
Those sound like some enviable sales, and i am very envious of those studded heels!
ReplyDeleteChic on the Cheap
Another great set of shots with an outfit I'd steal off of you!! Great sales finds... those are always the best (and the only ones I do anymore, frankly). Since I know it will be marked down, I typically wait unless it's something I'm in desperate need of - otherwise I feel like a sucker!
ReplyDeleteI'm curious what brought about your introspection. Or is the "why am I blogging" something you typically ask yourself? My only hope is because you are expanding your blog or keeping on keeping on - because you have a unique viewpoint and I always love to visit!
xo ~kim (and chloe)
I've been blogging about nine months and I do ask myself why often. I adore styling clothing and I'm enjoying taking pictures but blogging is outside of what I do for my professional life. In many ways fashion blogging is in opposition to my life as a painter. This blog is personal for me, it's a window into how I see clothing. No, I not planning on ending my blog I'm enjoying it much more than I had expected.
DeleteNew follower here! I so enjoy perusing your photos and reading your blog. You do a fantastic job of styling your clothing and your photos. Love the industrial feel of this one! ~(also)Ann
ReplyDeleteTarnished Royalty
What a fabulous outfit! You look so chic and polished in your black and gold. Love it! Heather
ReplyDeleteLovely outfit and accessories. I also like the styling and the location of the photos. Great post! Sara
ReplyDeleteHoly COW do I love your accessories. And I really want to BE your shoe closet. Well played!
ReplyDelete