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Have you ever seen that movie The Village by M. Knight Shyamalan? My sister and I like to joke that it’s somewhat representative of the way we grew up. Both of our parents were preachers, so there were a lot of things we weren’t allowed to do. Chief among them: we could not listen to secular music or dance. To get around this, I used to listen to The Clark Sisters and BeBe & CeCe Winans. It drove my mom nuts, but it was gospel so she let it slide. I mean, I would put in the cassette tape {yes, I said cassette tape} and turn it allll the way up and *whispers* dance around my room. Can you tell I was the rebel child?
Then my parents bought us Walkmans for Christmas and, y’all, my life changed forever. I discovered so many people: Prince, Terrence Trent D’Arby, Soul II Soul, Salt-n-Peppa, and Lisa Stansfield among others. That’s also about when our friends’ parents took pity on us and started letting us stay overnight with them so that we could go to parties and clubs.
I have to pause here and mention that we grew up in Italy. Life was very different over there. Going to the club in Italy was very different from going to the club in the U.S. Yes, there was drinking but there was just a very different vibe. We really did go out on the dance floor and dance. There weren’t any fights or anything like that.
Anyway, it felt like every time we walked into the club, Lisa Stansfield’s Been Around the World would start playing. It was our jam. My sister, our best friend, and I would get out on the dance floor and sing to the top of our lungs while we danced. We’d fall into each other laughing, then spread out to find our boyfriends. Those were good times.
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. Four different ladies, four different styles, you’re sure to find something that inspires you.
The Theme
Mireille asked us to dip into our pasts and share our favorite childhood musicians…
MY LOOK
When I started looking for inspiration photos, the looks that most often popped up were stills from “Been Around the World.” I loved that look. In fact, I rocked that look right down to the hair cut when I was in high school. My mother was horrified angry. I loved it. I felt so very bad a$$. Since I’ve already been there and done that, I decided to try a different version of Lisa.
Over all, Lisa Stansfield’s style in the eighties was very much like just about every other female singer at the time: black on black with denim. So I grabbed a simple black Vee neck top and a pair of distressed denim shorts and went from there. Not gonna lie, it felt a bit weird and nostalgic to pair shorts and tights.
You can see my Pinterest Board for all things Lisa Stansfield here, the look I used for inspiration was this one. I was drawn to it because of the simplicity. I wanted to capture the special memories I have of that time and place in my life.
AND FOR A LITTLE BEHIND THE SCENES
My girls are wild and often leave me covered in their fur, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
LAST THOUGHTS
I have a couple of favorite songs by Lisa Stansfield: All Around the World with Barry White. The video looks like they were just having fun, you know, flirting and making music. If you’re looking for a playlist, feel free to listen to my Lisa Stansfield playlist on Pandora.
Don’t Forget to Visit My Co-Hosts
Ada, Elegance and Mommyhood – Everyday Life+Style, an Adorable Girl named Vivian, Poetry and more…
Taking a much needed break, but, please, go visit her blog. She has some really beautiful outfits and lovely poetry.
Mireille, Chez Mireille Fashion travel mom
Mireille is copying French pop star Patrick Bruel. I’ve never heard of Patrick Bruel before, so naturally I had to google him… Y’all, he has a very raspy, sexy voice and I’m here for it. I can see his influence in Mireille’s outfit. It looks like his signature look is the all black suit with a textured tee. Smooth. I especially like the addition of the chunky boots. It gives the whole look a modern and edgy feel.
Shelbee, Shelbee on the Edge – Rediscover your edge
Shelbee is straight up giving Madonna vibes. With the netting and high ponytail, I can so see her up on stage with the woman herself singing “Borderline”. Can’t you? And, y’all, look at that cute bag! And those chunky boots {I remember wearing those the first go around and I’m super happy to see them going strong for Fall 2021}.
Suzy, The Grey Brunette – Happily giving the finger to ageism!
It’s the layered necklaces and the ballet flats for me. Suzy is also channeling Madonna and I think she nailed it. This reminds me of a picture that I saw with Madonna when I was kid and she had a similar look. I remember thinking she was just so cool.
GET MY LOOK
V Neck Top – Similar | Denim Shorts –Similar, Similar | Tights – Similar | Oxfords – Similar
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.
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN
Who did you listen to when you were kid? Did he or she influence your style back in the day? How about now?
Now go play in your closet,
LET’S CONNECT
For more stylish inspiration, check out the following linkups:
Where I Co-host
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- 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.
Click Here to See Where I Link Up