project sister act, series
Published on 25 Mar, 2016
Comments 89

Flower Power & A Link-Up

written by

Summer of love,

I see no clouds ahead.

 

There may not be orange Popsicles in this post.  Or lemonade.  And I can’t promise any hippie dippy action nor flowers in anyone’s head.  What I can promise is a new chapter of Project Sister Act.  That movement which encourages women of all ages (from teens all the way to 70s) to thumb their noses up as this nonsensical notion of “age-appropriate dressing“.  Speaking of which, just the other day, I read something which made my blood boil.  Here I am, preaching on repeat mode that style is ageless, that style does not discriminate, and there was this person, stating how glad she was that a certain elderly member of her family was dressing in an age appropriate fashion.  I was astounded.

Like hello??

What does that even mean?

Flower Power & A Link-Up | Sheela Writes

White Peasant Blouse (Forever21) | Red & Black Floral Leggings (JC Penny) | Floral Mesh Booties & Red Sunnies (Poshmark) | Black & Gold Bucket Bag (Zara)

What surprised me the most was how she herself projected such a modern and fresh outlook on life (she was clearly in her early to mid 20s), all the while holding onto a notion as old as Methuselah.

MIND-BOGGLING

Flower Power & A Link-Up | Sheela WritesFlower Power & A Link-Up | Sheela WritesFlower Power & A Link-Up | Sheela Writes

That made me realise how deeply our inner circle affects the way we think and function.  As in we are but byproducts of our upbringing.  For instance, my mother always had lipstick on and her hair, perfectly coiffed, nary a strand out of place.  I grew up with that same thought process, i.e., you’ll never catch me in public sans lipstick at the very least.  I may not have the same obsession with my hair (fact: I don’t even own a comb) but you get the point.  Never once did she tell me something was age-appropriate or that I ought to bow down to conservative pressure.  And that’s what I’ve passed on to my child.

While I’m all for preserving heritage and family traditions, it’s high time we change perceptions and mindsets when it comes to what we put on our bodies.  Encourage our young to break through barriers and tear down walls.  Find a happy medium between frumpy shorts and sweatpants, and barely there booty-showing boob-revealing clothes.  On the surface, it may seem a trivial and superficial topic amidst the turmoil we’ve seen happening all over the world but think of it as a foundation towards nurturing confidence, self-worth, the ability to think for oneself.

THE BEGINNINGS OF AN EMPOWERED, THINKING SOCIETY, AND I DON'T MEAN JUST FEMALES.

Men too are confined by societal expectations when it comes to attire, even more so than women.  It really is time to stop following, and start thinking.  Start questioning.  Break boundaries.  Do things differently.

As we endeavour to each month with #projectsisteract.  To not just talk the talk but to proudly walk the walk and show that there really is no limit to what one is supposedly allowed to wear.  It’s all in your hands.  And now, my friends, meet the ladies of Project Sister Act, the embodiment of #styleisageless with our theme of Florals.

Eve, Teens (the world according to eve)

The World According To Eve

Olawunmi, 20s (style 4 less 23)

Style 4 Less 23

Gemma, 30s (jacquard flower)

Jacquard Flower

Sheela, 40s (sheela writes)

Flower Power & A Link-Up | Sheela Writes

Jodie, 50s (jodie’s touch of style)

JTouch Of Style

Nancy, 60s (jodie’s touch of style)

JTouch Of Style

Charlotte, 70s (jodie’s touch of style)

JTouch Of Style

It never ceases to amaze me how beautifully unique our individual interpretations of the one same theme are.  And that we’re able to share them here on this platform for the world to see, in the hopes that our message may resonate with like-minded souls, and further propagate.

Don’t mind me if I sound a tad wishy washy and sappy in what I’ve written today.  I think it’s crystal clear how much this topic means to me 🙂

Flower Power & A Link-Up | Sheela Writes

PLEASE, DON'T FORGET TO LINK-UP

The only way to spread a message is to, well, spread the message wide and far across all corners of the blogosphere, yes?

So do cast aside those age-old thoughts of not daring to try a particular heel or a different style of a dress or that red isn’t suitable for your 50 year old hair.  Cast them aside.  Go have fun.  Live.

Love, Sheela

p/s photos by Sofia Touassa

I link up here.

89 Comments

  1. robjodiefilogomo says

    Even Iris Apfel agrees with your sentiments (my quote on my post)—-now we just have to get the younger generations on the same track (from your story)! Maybe you could get Iris to join in on the next one???
    Thanks again for this opportunity Sheela—it was a blast!! jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    Like

    Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      Your quote was perfect, Jodie, absolutely perfect. And to be honest, if Iris agreed to join in, I do believe I’d pee in my pants. So yeah. It was lovely having you and Nancy and Charlotte, so much fun!!! xoxo

      Like

      Reply
  2. Ada says

    All of you ladies look stunning in your florals, WOW! Your floral pants are haute and beautiful. You are ever so fierce in those heels. I would love to be a part of a future series like this, Sheela so just let me know. Thanks for the linkup and thank you for hosting with me also.

    Happy Easter! ❤ Ada.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Alice Shiya says

    Oh my god I absolutely loved this post! And I agree that we’re definitely heavily influenced by the people we have around us, which is why it’s so important to be with people who give you the right vibes! And as the great YSL once said, “Fashion fades, style is eternal”; no one should be afraid to flaunt their style due to their age!

    xo, alice / T Y P E N U

    Like

    Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      Thanks so much, Alice. This topic is near and dear to my heart 🙂 I just can’t stand that stupid phrase, “Age appropriate”!! It’s absolute rubbish and to this day, I can’t understand why there are still people who subscribe to the nonsensical notion that one can’t do this or should only do that with the passing of birthdays xoxo

      Like

      Reply
  8. Bettye Rainwater says

    Amen, sister! I agree One Thousand Percent about there being no limit on what we should wear, at any age, at any weight, at ANYTHING!

    Plus, adore your floral leggings combined with that peasant top, yum!

    And can you explain what the link-ups are?

    Bettye

    Like

    Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      Amen to that 🙂

      There’s a little blue button just above my signature which says Click to view and add your links. Click on that and you’ll be able to add your outfit posts 🙂

      Like

      Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      It’s a mad world, Alecz, when we start believing naysayers who claim animal print isn’t for anyone above 40 or that only the below 30s can sport pink hair 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  13. Andrea@WellnessNotes says

    I love all the interpretations of florals! And your leggings are super cool! I have pants with a very similar print that I “found” on the bottom of my casual pants drawer last year. Can’t wait to wear them again!

    And, yes, some of the “age-appropriate” dressing “rules” out there are pretty ridiculous!

    Like

    Reply
  16. jennie1969 says

    Sheela, you may turn me into a floral fan yet. These bold floral leggings are so eye-catching and fun! They look great with the peasant top and those fab booties. I would love to see your shoe collection some day. Another thought provoking post. I know for a fact I was brought up being taught certain things were age appropriate and I am definitely shedding those ideas as the years go by. Thankfully. I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s interpretation of the theme and I seriously want Charlotte’s floral shift dress – she is rockin’ it!

    Like

    Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      Hahahaha!! Florals are contagious, Jennie, remember, you’ve been forewarned 🙂 I too never thought I’d be caught dead in something which I used to associate with old lady chintz curtains and tablecloth but here I am, wearing flowers as though I had a sartorial green thumb (I actually don’t, I’ve killed so many plants, there’s a special place in garden hell for me) xoxo

      Like

      Reply
  18. Rena says

    Dear Sheela! Thanks a lot for the wonderful post and your wise and honest words. I really love what you wrote and I can only agree. Thank you further for the beautiful pictures of all these wonderful women ❤
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Like

    Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      You are SO welcomed, Rena, I feel so strongly about this topic. We really must be fearless and wear whatever we like. It’s what makes us happy that counts 🙂 xoxo

      Like

      Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      Thanks so much, Violette 🙂 sadly, I can’t wait for this coming weekend. I really do think weekends ought to start from Thursday all the way to Monday, and work days are merely Tuesday as well as Wednesday 🙂 xoxo

      Like

      Reply
  20. marilyn1998 says

    Good morning Sheila. I look forward to what youchoose each week. Your backdrops are always so wonderful and really highlight your look. This week especially showing the different age choices was extrmely appealing to this over 60 follower. Pinned and shared. Thanks for linking up at #ThursdayFavoriteThings! I hope you will join me Monday at #OverTheMoon!

    Like

    Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      Thank you SO much, Marilyn. I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate that you made the time to stop by, read my post and leave a comment. It means a lot xoxo

      Like

      Reply
  22. No Fear of Fashion says

    Yippee! I love flowers. And I love Sister Act. So I am going to link up. I will link back to you in my newest post of today. But I will add a flower outfit from the past.
    I cannot start giving compliments to one of the ladies in this Sister Act Post as you all look perfect.
    Greetje

    Like

    Reply
  27. WhatWouldVWear says

    I love your words always, Sheela! Amen to thinking differently and breaking down boundaries! You are such a visionary and all of you look so fab here! The colors, the floral prints…I LOVE IT ALL! Thanks for being such an inspiration, always!
    Anyhow, I hope you had a blessed Easter with your family! Sending much love your way!

    Happy Monday, love!

    xoxo, Vanessa

    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

    Like

    Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      Thank you thank you, Vanessa. I’ve never thought of myself as a visionary but I’ve always felt that certain rules were never made to be followed. Particularly those that pertained to self expression, to creativity 🙂 likewise, love, I hope you had a wondrous Easter with your husband and son. Much love, Sheela.

      Like

      Reply
  28. thefashionsalt says

    All of you look amazing, and I love the message of this project! My mother and my grandmother were both fashion forward thinking and didn’t really stick to any “rules” which I am so thankful for. I love your interpretation of florals. You look beautiful and those boots are incredible!
    ~Lili
    http://www.thefashionsalt.com

    Like

    Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      Your mother and grandmother were clearly ahead of their times, Lili, what strong, confident, formidable women they must have been 🙂 what a legacy they left for you 🙂 xoxo

      Like

      Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      That was the most wonderful, unexpected location find, Shauna 🙂 I saw it every single day, on my way to the gym, and finally, we managed to do a shoot there. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. Incidentally, it’s an abandoned car service/tyre shop xoxo

      Like

      Reply
  32. The Style Contour says

    I have to agree with you Sheela, I think every woman, regardless of age, should feel comfortable and confident in the way she dresses, exuding her personal style and not what society says that should be. Style is, after all, a method of self-expression! That said, I love the round up of all of the ladies you’ve shared here, all of which have such lovely styles, some I know and others you’ve just introduced me to! As for your outfit, I love it! I love how your shoes create a continual flow in the print from your pants, plus the mesh is so on trend this season! Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    Like

    Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      You know, Jalisa, I didn’t even realise mesh was a thing this season until I saw Vanessa sporting that amazing jacket (www.whatwouldvwear.com), and am now guarding those booties quite jealously GRIN thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. You’re quite right, style is a method of self-expression and short of anything dangerous, who are we to curtail how others present their styles? Have a lovely rest of the week!! xoxo

      Like

      Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      Thank you so much, Nora!! Incidentally, I’ve made it my mission to purchase at least one piece from you and soon. Your new graphic tees and blazers are divine.

      Like

      Reply

  38. Pingback: Bodysuit Take Two | Kathrine Eldridge

    • Sheela Goh says

      Thank you, Elise 🙂 I just can’t imagine why anyone should be allowed to dictate what a woman can or can’t wear xoxo

      Like

      Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      There’s nothing which speaks feminine and charming quite as eloquently as florals, don’t you think, Deena? Thank you so much for stopping by xoxo

      Like

      Reply
  45. The Wardrobe Stylist says

    You’re right but Sheela you have the power to wear some of these extravagant trends so well and I think some people that may be in an advanced age may fear them and therefore not be able to properly translate them into their outfits. Because of that, they’ll stick to the basics and hide behind age old notions.

    Like

    Reply
    • Sheela Goh says

      What an interesting point, Rania. I keep talking about dressing however you like, about breaking rules, without thinking that whilst we may all want to experiment, not everyone is willing to following the mantra of “go big or go home”. There must be some middle ground. Thank you for bringing this up, I do think it could be the premise for another thought-provoking post 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  47. Pingback: Black & White with Sheela & Eve - Jodie's Touch of StyleJodie's Touch of Style

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s