As the blogger and photographer behind Living Outside the Stacks, I independently select and write about stuff I love and things I think you’ll enjoy too. Living Outside the Stacks has affiliate and advertising partnerships so I get revenue from sharing this content and from your purchase. Thank you for your support.
About the Fab Forties
The Fab Forties is a group of style bloggers from around the globe who come together once a month to share their common love of fashion. Each month we choose a different theme and invite a guest blogger, who is also in her forties, to join us. The group’s goal is to take on a style trend and show how we each interpret and incorporate it into our lives. Five different ladies, five different styles, you’re sure to find something that inspires you.
The Theme
This month’s theme is polka dots. I chose this theme for incredibly selfish reasons: my earrings. I knew they were arriving in time for this month’s post and I wanted to wear them. But once they arrived, I wasn’t sure how to style them. I have this incredibly cute orange and cream sweater that would’ve worked, but I’m saving that sweater to wear with a pair of mint earrings that I’ve had in my jewelry box forever. So, yeah, I couldn’t mess that up. My reasoning makes total since in my head…. Then I remembered this embroidered blouse and thought why not?
Of course, after all of my planning things did not work out as I had intended. The weather went to pot and I had to move my phot shoot inside. Granted, I do have a studio upstairs, but I don’t know…. That being said, I do like the way this outfit turned out and I plan to wear a modified version of it as soon as the weather warms up a bit.
MY LOOK
Fun fact: when we were on our house hunting tour of Louisiana, I had two things that were an absolute must on my list:
- Coffee Bar Space
- Low steps for Squeekerz {he was nearly 17 when we moved here and couldn’t walk up the stairs}
That coffee bar is one of my favorite spaces in my house. Do you see the vintage coffee grinder? A souvenir from a trip to Georgia. And the vintage cabinet was a Christmas gift from The Hubs. I keep my teas in there. Also I just noticed the spilt sugar on the table. I’m usually very neat.
Don’t Forget to Visit My Co-Hosts
Ada, Elegance and Mommyhood – Everyday Life+Style, an Adorable Girl named Vivian, Poetry and more…
Ada wrote that the weather has been frigid in her area, so this picture is from a few months back. Totally worth accessing the archives for. This dress is absolutely stunning: it has geo hearts adorning it. Sweet, right? And how very sexy are those shoes? There’s nothing like an ankle strap. And, I could be wrong, but I think her handbag is a snake print. Love it.
Shelbee, Shelbee on the Edge – Rediscover your edge
Shelbee wrote that she was “…going to combine all sorts of polka dots but I did that in December of 2019 when we featured polka dots for Jennie’s last Fab 40’s post. So this time, I wore bold striped shorts and paired a little polka dot scarf with them.” I used to tell my kids that my dream is to wrap myself in velvet. Well, I’ve managed to do it in my bedding but I like Shelbee’s socially acceptable way so much better. That velvet blazer is everything. Obviously, I love the pattern mixing and the oxfords, beyond fun.
Suzy, The Grey Brunette – Happily giving the finger to ageism!
OK, I’m totally lifting Suzy’s outfit for work. I love everything about this. Seriously, business casual has never looked so cool. Suzy wrote that her outfit “…turned out okay considering I have very little polka dots in my wardrobe lol. I ended up pattern mixing three different prints!!” Suzy, your outfit turned out so much better than just OK. Truly. Pattern mixing is my jam and Suzy could teach a master class on it. Hands down.
Earrings – Nickel and Suede | Embroidered Top – Similar | Bracelets – Similar | Jeans – Similar | Shoes – Similar
I’ve worn polka dots way more than I thought. You can see previous outfits here, here, here, here, and here. If you’re looking for more polka dot inspiration, check out my Pinterest board.
Side note wherever you see words in bold italics and a different color, those are clickable links. Those links will either take you to related posts or links for purchase. If you decide to purchase something using those links, I’ll earn a commission at no extra charge to you.
JOIN US: We’re looking for cohosts and guest cohosts
Are you a blogger in your forties? We’d love to have you join us as a Fab Forties cohost! Not ready for a monthly commitment? Consider joining as a guest cohost. All you have to do is send me an email and let me know your preference. My email is livingoutsidethestacks@gmail.com.
Now go play in your closet,
LET’S CONNECT
For more stylish inspiration, check out the following linkups:
Where I Co-host
- Ageless Style – Eight women show that style is ageless. Third Thursday of the month.
- Fab Forties – Six bloggers, over the age of forty, show they’re still fabulously fashionable. First Monday of the month.
- Style Imitating Art – Style inspired by pieces of art. Every other week.
Where I Link Up