Florals, florals, florals!

My favorite print?

If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you’re probably rolling your eyes! It’s not difficult to figure out, right? My absolute favorite print is a floral. If you’re unsure about prints and patterns, you can read more about it here. I have no idea where my love for florals originated. I can definitely trace it back as far as second grade (which would be more than five decades ago). I am pretty sure I’ve mentioned before my dad didn’t appreciate my choices in fabric! He always said the fabric looked like my grandma’s couch. Do you think that meant he didn’t like florals? Gasp!!

A little bit of history…

I had never thought to look into the history of floral fabrics. Once I did, I have to admit I was surprised and yet not! Most people generally agree floral fabrics were introduced in Asia. Sumptuous silks would have been hand painted or embroidered. There is lots of evidence, however, that florals were incorporated into the daily lives of Egyptians and early Greeks and Romans. I think, from what I have read, the disconnect is in the use of flowers. The earlier iterations used actual flowers and vines in the creation of decorative clothing and accessories. Craftsmen in China appear to have created the first floral fabric which was embroidered or painted and featured peonies, lotus, and carnations. Specific flowers held specific meanings. Did you know peonies are the state flowers of Indiana! The Japanese incorporated florals into their kimonos, frequently using the chrysanthemum as the flower of choice. (source)

A little more…

We can probably thank Marco Polo and the Silk Road for the arrival of floral prints in the Western world. In fact, until a piece of fabric with a peony painted or embroidered on it arrived in the West, no one had ever seen one! Although since they didn’t have cell phones, I guess that makes sense! During the Renaissance, Italians in Venice and Florence created velvet fabrics heavily embroidered with gold and silver threads in a floral design. The French then stepped up to the fashion plate (see what I did there) and began producing French embroidered silks. The English, not to be outdone by the French, then began designing florals mainly based on “botanical specimens and engravings” (source).

And, still more…

Of course, floral fabrics were not for the poor. These fabrics would have been handmade (probably by those same people who could not afford them). It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that mass produced floral fabric became available for most people. And, make no mistake about it! Women and men wore florals! This article (also quoted above) includes photos of older textiles and garments including two men’s waistcoats. Floral prints evolved in the twentieth century and quite quickly. Think about it! We began the century with small dainty prints, had the big bold prints of the flower children, and then the smaller prints once again! Today, I think floral prints range from bold to delicate, from graphic to ethereal. Florals are here to stay, and I’m glad! (source)

Sometimes, you have to ask…

I began blogging last July for a few reasons. One was because Debbie, my lifestyle coach, encouraged me to do something new and bold. Another reason was because I really didn’t see many women in the blogosphere who looked like me. A third reason was I really wanted to learn something new and “grow some new wrinkles in my brain”…or keep my neuroplasticity going! And, if I’m truly honest, I wasn’t about to turn down a pair of shoes or a dress! Finally, I decided to be a little more bold and approach a retailer about the possibility of a post for a pair of shoes. The retailer I chose was Jambu! I reached out to them and was so pleasantly surprised when the answer was YES!!! I have worn Jambu shoes for years. I actually wore out my first pair…I mean broken down, toes poking through, cracked soles…the whole shebang! I cannot begin to calculate the number of miles I put on those shoes! I wore them to London, to Burlington, to school, to shop, to just walk around. I wore them everywhere. They were just that comfortable and versatile.

Why I chose these…

I wanted a pair of sandals that would work for a casual yet dressy look as well as jeans and a tee. I also wanted something I could easily slip on and off. And, I wanted something cute! I have to say the Queens ticked each box! Speaking of boxes, I took these out, put them on and wore them for hours! They are so very comfortable…just like their long gone predecessors! The footbed is ergonomically engineered and just like walking on a cloud!

Jambu has many shoes that have the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance “for promoting good foot health through supportive and durable constructions.” The leather Queens slip on has a 1 1/2 inch heel with a 3/4 inch platform. I requested the tan flower version and am so happy with them! If you’re not in love with this floral version, the Queens also comes in blue floral as well as a perforated version in black, gunmetal, bronze, and saddle. I am looking forward to wearing the Queens this spring, summer, and into the fall!

I want to be completely honest with you all, though. I have not put these sandals to the true test yet…shopping! I did wear them for several hours around the house and to run a few errands. I did not, however, wear them for an extended period of time while walking. I will update you when I’ve done a little shopping and walking!!! I do, however, highly recommend these sandals. The leather is soft but will be even softer after a few wearings. And, the footbeds…did I mention those? They truly are like walking on a cloud.

Whew!

All I can say is I was a little nervous at reaching out to a retailer. My heart beat a little faster, my breaths accelerated, and my palms were definitely a little sweaty! But, I kept saying to myself, “All they can say is ‘No’!” I think I was just lucky the first company said yes! In return for the sandals, I just had to provide a few pictures. A post was not required, but I felt I needed to do so for a couple of reasons. One of those reasons was to share how I stretched myself as a blogger. Another was to do an honest review.

Something new at MitM!

Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. As of right now, I do have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.

The Lewk!

I wanted to wear minimal jewelry with this look…I mean the florals are the stars of the show, right? The long wrap bracelet is older and from Victoria Emerson. I like the way it wraps as well as the varied components to it. The other coiled wrap bracelet is also old and Stella & Dot. My earrings are from a small shop on Etsy. But, I purchased them so long ago, I no longer know the vendor. I believe they are leather. My ring is from the John Hardy bamboo collection. Bamboo seedlings are planted for every item purchased from the bamboo collection. My skirt is from J Jill a few years ago and is an olive color (it reads as grey on my monitor). My sweater tank is from Loft as is the cardigan. I do wish I’d gotten a size smaller in the cardigan, but maybe I can shrink it! Even my glasses are floral! Jodie encouraged me to try shopping for glasses online. I was shocked at how easy it was and how high the quality is, too!

A reminder!

May is filled with all kinds of holidays and such…Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day…but there’s more to May than that!  The month kicks off with World Laughter Day on May 1^st!  And, if there is anything we need it is definitely more laughter!  Let’s add in Frog Jumping Day on May 13^th, and we can toad-ally have some kind of fun with that!  Oh, but wait, there’s more!!  National Dance Like a Chicken Day follows right behind on May 14^th!  Talk like Yoda Day, May 20^th is.  You get the picture, right?  Which 10 things do you think you May do this coming month?   Please join me on the 10th with your list! Remember, you don’t have to have a blog to participate! You can always leave your entire list or part of it in the comments. I hope to actually have a link party, too!

Wrap it up, Marsha!

Have I met a floral I didn’t like? Oh, definitely! But, for the most part, florals are my jam! I don’t necessarily consider myself a girly girl, but florals are my favorite print. Luckily, stripes and plaids aren’t prints; they’re patterns! So, can we talk? Are you a floral kind of person? Would the man in your life…husband, significant other, brother, etc…wear floral? Nigel had a couple of floral ties back in the days when he had to wear ties (I miss those days). What do you think of my boldness and my sandals? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk! As always, I appreciate all of you who read my blog, especially my subscribers!!

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, Being a Wordsmith, and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I’m also a co-host on the Weekend Traffic Jam (here). And, of course, you can now find me here on the last Friday of the month!

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