I’m absolutely delighted to have been invited to be this month’s guest blogger with the Fab 40’s. And the theme today is one of my absolute favourite fabrics: velvet. Honestly, if I could have a third of my wardrobe in velvet, I would. The other two would be denim and lace 😉 Sadly, I don’t seem to own that much of it, which is weird considering my love for it. I think I’ve had lots of velvet over the years but I’ve probably worn it all to death and therefore had to sling it. Hopefully that won’t happen to this dress though. But before I tell you about that, read on to find out about the Fab 40’s…
The Fab 40’s is a group of seven stylish fashion bloggers from around the globe. Each month they choose a different theme and invite a guest blogger who is also in their forties to join them. This group’s goal is to take on style trends and show how they each interpret and incorporate them into their own lives. With eight 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. And today’s guest YAY!!
So, back to my beautiful dress. Not only is it in such luxurious soft velvet, it’s also in my favourite colour in the whole world: emerald green. I mean, seriously, I think I should have been the Wicked Witch of the West’s daughter or something! That colour is just D.I.V.I.N.E. Let me just add here though, I’m not wicked…not really. Not today anyway he he he 😉
I discovered this cute little strapless dress whilst shopping in the States a few weeks ago (it seems so much longer ago than that though, sigh). Forever 21 was the shop. I’d heard of it via my fellow bloggers but never had the chance to step into the store and when I did I was like a kid in a chocolate factory. And I’ve just looked online and it seems they do have a European store online YAY!
But there was just one thing I had to have. And that was this dress. I spotted it almost immediately and grabbed it. I didn’t even try it on, because I was wearing so many layers due to the extreme cold in Boston at that time. Luckily it fit, although I do need a bit of a padded strapless bra to hold it up because I’m a bit lacking in that department. (If you’re the opposite of me however, I recommend you pop on over to read Shelbee’s post on dealing with big boobs!)
The added bonus was the price. I’m not sure what the original was but I think I paid six dollars for it! OMG is that a bargain or what? Especially considering I felt a million dollars when I put it on. Although, that might also have something to do with my new hairdo. Oh and my new gold Converse All Stars, which were also a bargain in the January sales. How I love American outlets stores!
The stunning gold necklace belonged to my late stepmother-in-law and the white shirt and clutch are both from my other favourite store, Massimo Dutti. Did you know there’s a Massimo Dutti store in New York? On Fifth Avenue of all places too! Needless to say, we popped in to have a look but it was more expensive than its European counterparts. Probably because it’s a European store. Makes sense. I also wore a pair of flesh coloured tights with a pair of flesh coloured fishnets over the top. After all, it IS winter 😉
But that’s enough about me. Let’s have a look and see how these other fabulous bloggers have included velvet into their outfits. I can’t wait…
Sheela Goh always looks gorgeous on her blog but today, she is utterly ravishing in her purple velvet boots. After emerald green, that shade of purple is my next favourite colour (as well as midnight blue) so I am coveting them lol. That kimono is just beautiful too, I love the detailing on the sleeve.
Embellished Velvet Duster – c/o Forever21
Purple Corset Velvet Boots – c/o ShoeDazzle
Velvet Drawstring Bag – Zara
Red Sunnies – Poshmark
Taylor Swift Reputation Snake Ring – gifted
The fabulous Annie from Kremb de la Kremb also just happens to be wearing a delicious blush velvet dress from Forever 21 – a store she adores and wonders if it ought to be called Forever 41? Doesn’t she look freaking incredible?
Dress – Forever 21
Beaded Clutch – Tory Burch sample
Sandals – Targé
Rose Necklace – Christmas present from Hunter X Hunter
The uber stylish Jennie from A Pocketful of Polka Dots is wearing the suit of all suits! It’s a velvet outfit to die for, right? Just look at that colour, not to mention those shoes!
Velvet Suit and Lace Cami – Loft
Necklace & Earrings – NY&Co.
Shoes – Y-Not?
The gorgeous Mary from Curly Birdie Chirps, is wearing the cutest pair of blue velvet sock boots and a dress to die for. I’m in love with this bright pink frock. Isn’t it divine?
Dress and earrings – H&M
Booties velvet – Target
Belt – The Limited
Purse – Jcpenney
Now back to some of my more ‘comedic’ photos. I was trying out different poses for a laugh (and it was!). But the best photo is the one where the cat decided to take part. Scroll down and you’ll see what I mean 🙂
LINK-UPS
Oh My Goodness, Suzy! This post! This dress! Gah! I absolutely adore this dress and you wear it so well. Six dollars, too, that is speaking my language for sure! So you know how much I love velvet and green is my forever favorite color…so I totally would have snatched up this dress in a heartbeat, too. You are rocking it my friend, head to toe. And thanks so much for the mention! See I would need all kinds of support to wear this strapless style of dress! I am going to pin this to a Little Green Dress Board that Nina of A World of Dresses began! Have a fabulous week. I have some Fab 40’s velvet reading to do!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
LOL Shelbee, we have the same taste! Green is my favourite colour too. I think we are a little alike, to be honest. Since I started wearing glasses full time, I see you in me quite often! I know that sounds a bit mad but it’s true!
And thank you so much for pinning my picture to that board. You really are the best MWAH <3 <3
Suzy xxxx
Not mad at all! I see it, too! Hopefully, one day our paths will cross in real life!
xoxo
Shelbee
Author
I hope so too, Shelbee! <3
Suzy xx
YAY! They chose the perfect gal to share of month of fab collab with! You are truly beautiful and spark such a fun sense of style with bits of class and sass! The green velvet is Amazing!!! xo
Author
Awww thanks Andrea! It is a fab dress though isn’t it? I couldn’t believe that it was cheap!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Let me just say that I’m in awe of how you turned this dress into more of a skirt!! That’s such fabulousness, Suzy!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Author
Thanks Jodie! As soon as I was invited to take part I just knew I wanted to try white shirt with it. I’m glad it worked lol
Suzy xx
Love this velvet look Suzy, what a thrill to be featured. Love the other looks too! I think I need more velvet in my collection too. x Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
Author
Thanks Jacqui! I think every woman needs more velvet in their collections 😉 xx
Suzy xx
What cool pics Suzy! Great minds think alike! I have lots of velvet in my wardrobe and have a green emerald dress too! Love this color on you and iove how you styled it accenting with gold jewelry and those fabulous gold sneakers.. so cool!!! You mentioned you don’t have much in your closet.. there is always time to remedy that , heheh. i don’t know if i mentioned, but your haircut is striking on you.
Have a wonderful week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Author
Thank you so much, Jess! I can totally see you in green velvet – gorgeous!
Suzy xx
This is a fabulous outfit. Totally gorgeous skirt and I love how you’ve styled the shirt. The converse and necklace also superb.
Author
Thanks Anna! It’s actually a strapless dress beneath that shirt though. I love that it can be worn both ways 🙂
Suzy xx
This is a gorgeous velvet dress! I love the color and how you have styled it, Suzy. The nude fishnets and gold Chuck’s add such unexpected fun. You should definitely add more velvet to your wardrobe! So glad you joined us this month, especially for our celebratory comeback. 🙂
Author
Thank you so much Jennie! It was wonderful to be asked to join this month! And thanks for you very kind comments too MWAH <3
Suzy xx
I love this velvet dress, and I especially love how you’ve styled it with silver high tops! The dress is amazing on you; I bet you get years of wear out of this. xx
Author
Thanks so much Lisa! I hope I get loads of wear out of it too!
Suzy xx
My friend…that dress is simply perfect! And the Converse only make it better! I’m currently on the prowl for a pair of high tops…can you believe I don’t have any??
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Author
OMG Debbie! I’m shocked – you must remedy that situation at once lol! I bought several pairs from the Converse outlets in the US! Love those places 😉
Suzy xx
Hahaha, I saw the kitty shoot on Instagram and I HAD to stop by here and check out <3 Hilarious photo!
I can not believe this dress is such a bargain, you look like a million dollars indeed, the fabric is exquisite, how the colors transition beautiful! <3
So happy you have been featured, all those ladies are the bomb ! ^_^
Author
Thanks Keiti! It was such a stroke of luck that mu husband managed to get the shot – we were laughing so much!!
Suzy xx
Suzy, it was such a pleasure to have you with us for our velvet extravaganza! You’re one of those amazing women who have both inside and out beauty. It’s special to have you join us.
Now, I do have a few questions, like why not just go with pic #5? That’s my fave? Or when you did wear the shirt, why not show a bit more of the dress–like off the shoulder ties or no buttons buttoned. I’m just curious. You’re rocking this dress, so I’m wondering about the more conservative approach–I hope you don’t mind me asking.
Now the shoes, I’m all about them! But you know that Dear don’t you!
Oh, one last thing, Foreve 41–as I like to call it! totally rocks and you scored with this number. It’s absolutely, stunningly gorgeous on you!
Love, Annie
Author
Annie, it was such an honour to have been invited. The reason I didn’t just use pic 5 was because I thought it was a little boring! I figured adding the shirt made it a bit more versatile (also… it wasn’t very warm lol!). But I do agree I could have opened some of the button to show that it was a dress! I clearly didn’t have my creative head on that day. And if course I don’t mind you asking! It’s nice to get more ideas for the future, my friend <3
Suzy xxx