How are things in your neck of the world? It’s been pretty glorious here in Central Indiana. The days are warm, and the nights are cool…just the way I like it! It’s hard to believe October is bearing right down on us, isn’t it? Today is the third Thursday of September which means it’s time for an Ageless Style challenge. Leslie, of Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After chose Southwestern. Just like last month, that leaves room for lots of interpretation. Last month, Jodie chose summer denim. In the past we have done movie characters, spring dresses, white tops polka dots, and many other ideas. If you’re curious, you can find some of my looks here, here, here, and here. Please do visit the other hostesses of the link party (oh, yes, there’s a link party) at their various sites!
Southwestern style…
I tried to find the definition of Southwestern style. Almost everything I found led to a retailer rather than an article. But, they all seemed to agree on a few things. Southwestern style incorporates textures like embroidery, earthy colors, and fringe. Oh, and a couple may have mentioned really cool boots! When I think of Southwestern style, I also think of denim.
A little more…
This article also includes some of my favorite things. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t read it until I’d already taken the photos! I don’t necessarily think of florals when I think Southwestern style, but the authors point to the “prairie dress” as an example. I’m not sure I’d include prairie dresses in Southwestern style, though. I did think about wearing a plaid shirt, but it’s still a little too warm to be busting out my flannel! I wish I’d had a concho belt, but it wouldn’t work with this dress anyway. And, of course, while we were taking the photos, Nigel said I should have worn a hat! Too late!
My outfit…
I really thought I’d worn this dress on the blog before, but I can’t find it anywhere. I’m wearing the Jackie Denim dress from April Cornell. Not a fan of denim? This dress is also available in corduroy in a gorgeous amethyst color. April’s corduroy is so soft and drapes incredibly. I thought about tying a neckerchief around my neck, but I don’t have any of those. And, bonus! Neckerchiefs didn’t show up in any of my searches for Southwestern style. This dress is a one and done!
The Lewk!
OK, now here’s my real Southwestern touch! My L’Artiste Rodeha boots definitely give off the cowboy/cowgirl boot vibe, right? Check out the studs and the squared off toes. Love these boots! I have to admit I would love to have them in teal, but too much of a good thing is too much. I was inspired by Sally of In a World of My Own to create this neck mess. The turquoise chip earrings, bracelet, and necklace are actually from the Southwest. Nigel bought me the earrings and bracelet on a trip to some fort in that area. My daughter bought me the necklace when she went on a mission trip. The other two necklaces are from J Jill. The ball is Jack’s!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I was really surprised not to find more articles and posts about Southwestern style. In fact, Amy found this article and shared it with all of us. I have been consciously deciding to create looks I’d actually wear for style challenges lately. In the past, I went with more creative and over-the-top (for me, at least) looks. So, can we talk? Are you inspired by a specific region or area? How do you feel about the Southwestern look? What parts do you or would you wear? Please share a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
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Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend with Emma every Thursday. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts about denim, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Here are links to all of the lovely ladies in the Ageless Style collaboration. Please do visit them on their various media. Link up with us, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Joanne ~ My Slice of Life
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Rosemary ~ Distinctly Southern Style
Your denim dress is perfect Marsha, April Cornell makes the dresses just for you I swear! I love what you did here. When I think of Southwestern I think denim, turquoise, leather – all the the things you incorporated.
I wish our weather was like yours, I’d take cool any time – day or night – I just need some relief!!!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I wish she designed just for me! I know it seems like it because a great deal of my closet is by her! I’m glad you agreed with my take on Southwestern style. I cannot imagine being warm all year long! But, I think you’d miss Florida if you moved anywhere else!
I think of prairie dresses too when you are talking about western style. I mean, little house on the prairie, right? I’m loving the dress and those gorgeous cool boots! I’m feeling the vibe Marsha!
Thanks, Nancy! I love these boots, and they are comfortable to walk in, too!
I love how you interpreted this challenge. Your turquoise jewelry is definitely southwest. When I was in New Mexico, there were tuquoise jewelry shops everywhere.
Thank you, Nancy! I haven’t been to New Mexico though I think that’s where my husband got the jewelry in the post. I would love to go some day…in the winter, though, when it’s cooler!
I love your turquoise jewelry! And of course your L’artiste boots are fantastic!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you, Mireille! It seemed like the best thing to make the dress southwester in style!
Great outfit! The denim dress provides an ideal backdrop for your turquoise jewelry. It looks like it would be comfortable and versatile — also just the right weight for early fall. Love those boots, too!
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
Thank you so much, Carol! I really liked the turquoise and denim together, too. The dress is a bit heavy for summer so spring, fall, and winter are best. The second best thing about the boots is they are comfortable!
Marsha, I love love LOVE this outfit! The denim with the turquoise/silver layered necklaces, finished with those gorgeous boots, is southwestern perfection in my book while not looking at all costume-y or overdone.
I also don’t associate the prairie dress with southwestern style. It’s interesting how there isn’t 100% consensus on these various aesthetics…which is great because it leaves a lot of room for personal interpretation!
Thank you, Sally! This is something I will wear again and again. I am trying to be more “I’d wear this” than costume-y with the fashion challenges. But, the costume-y ones are fun, too!
Yeah, I don’t get prairie dress when I think of southwest. I think of Kansas, Oklahoma, etc when I think of prairie dresses! But, you’re right…lots of room for interpretation…thank goodness!
I love your nod to the southwest with denim and turquoise. They make a great combination together. Love the way that dress looks on you!
Thanks, Laura! This is one of my favorite dresses, and the turquoise just seemed like the best way to do southwest!
You and I were birds of a feather with the denim, and I just LOVE your turquoise jewelry. That’s how all three of us went too, LOL
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks, Jodie! I love turquoise and learned you have to be careful finding the real stuff. Some people use howlite and treat it to turn it blue so then it looks like turquoise. I know my J Jill stuff isn’t real turquoise, but the inlaid bracelet definitely is.
Oh yes! I definitely think of denim when I think of southwest style. You did a great job with this prompt.
Thanks, Joanne! But, I have to say, your look was perfection!
Hi Marsha I love your jewellery and boots! You look very stylish and the dress is smart yet easy to wear. Love it! xx
Thanks, Sue! I really like this dress and thought the turquoise helped it become Southwestern!
Marsha, I love this denim dress so much! And your turquoise jewelry is all so pretty! What a great style prompt. You know I love Southwestern styles, but I usually just say Western styles. I wonder if there is much of a difference between the two. Hmmm. Must go research now!
Shelbee
I wonder if there’s a difference, too, Shelbee! I honestly don’t know. Thanks for the compliments, my friend!
I love the prairie style dress with the turquoise jewelry! I adore the contrast and your take on southwestern style. Thanks for the link up Marsha!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! I immediately think of denim when I think of Southwestern style so this worked perfectly!
This is such a perfect outfit for the style prompt! The denim and turquoise are such a great pairing! And those boots are fabulous!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill! I agree that denim and turquoise are made for each other! I love these boots, and they’re comfortable!
Great dress. I love turquoise jewelry and it goes so well with the denim blue.
Great dress. I love turquoise jewelry and it goes so well with the denim blue.
Thanks, Eileen! I would love to have one of those beautiful squash blossom turquoise necklaces, but they are as expensive as they are gorgeous!
Do-si-do, look at that twirly dress on you. Love the turquoise jewelry!! You are just adorable and perfectly southwest without being over the top. Of course, I love your boots…we have similar taste in great shoes. I have my eye on a very reasonably priced concho belt at Versona. You might check it out.
Leslie…I just love the way you start off comments and blog posts! It always makes me smile! I will take this as a win as you picked the prompt and live in the Southwest (kinda sorta?). Yes, we do share a love for boots and shoes, my friend!
Thanks, my dear!