An extravagant party.
A shingding of great magnitude.
In urban speak, a palooza is a party (or celebration) of epic proportions. Indulgent. Exaggerated. A particularly outstanding occasion, with fun and merry-making in abundance. To be perfectly honest, I’m inclined to liken my past collaborations with Jodie (and Nancy and Charlotte) as well as Eve as being, well, just that. Let me explain. It’s been rather unexpected how we’ve clicked. Or, I should say, how unexceptionally well we’ve gotten along, and how much I’ve personally learned from all four ladies.
I'VE LEARNED QUITE A LOT
Which, in the spirit of full disclosure, was not something I’d expected.
Despite being a (not so hot) mess of insecurities, when it comes to clothes and styling them, I’ve always fancied myself as being there, you know, right alongside the upper echelon of stylemeisters. That I knew what to wear, what not to wear, and how to wear it all. Fashion has been such an enormous cornerstone of my life that I’d become comfortable. No, complacent. And, I now know, stuck in a rut.
More than that, the complacency was coated with a generous layer of arrogance. I mean, since I’m in the confessing mood et al.
But yes, knowledge was the last thing I’d expected to derive from our little convergences (the pilgrim venture here, and another tri-part series which saw its beginnings here), and yet, I’ve amassed a wealth of insight.
ALLOW ME TO ELABORATE
Prior to my sartorial adventures with the quartet (cutest foursome of teen, 50s, 60s, 70s, I swear), I was safe (and comfortable) in my familiar fashion zone. A world dominated by colour, primarily black (yes, it’s a colour) with the occasional red, and peppered by sporadic cameo appearances of blue.
Print had no place in my universe.
And certainly neither did floral patterns.
I found the former, a busy affair unpalatable to the eyes, and the latter? A beckoning to days of chintz curtains, tea and china, dainty old ladies munching on cucumber sandwiches, and the irrefutable scent of mothballs.
Pairing up with Eve, and Jodie has forced me to not only take a humongous leap outside my comfort area, it has (quite literally) opened my eyes to combinations I’d previously found impossible. A truly enriching experience.
Before our partnerships, never did I imagine stripes could cohabit alongside polka dots, let alone harmoniously. Or that one could indeed line up three different patterns, of the same palette, and have an eureka moment of the greatest satisfaction!!!
So, thank you, from the very bottom of my heart, ladies.
Thank you, Eve, for daring me to go boldly to style places I’d never before even imagined existed. You’ve nudged pushed me to experiment and explore, and in those moments when my trials failed dismally, told me to “walk it off” and laugh because, at the end of the day, it’s just clothes. Jodie, because of you, I’m able to understand (and embrace) the significance of nuances and details. To fully appreciate subtlety and the importance thereof in creating a powerful visual impact. That it doesn’t always take bells and whistles to leave an impression.
And now, before I collapse into a complete pool of sappy mush, welcome to our collective third (and final) parade of camo, and how we showcased it with print.
Eve, Teens (the world according to eve)
I was about to describe Eve’s outfit as being somewhat retro but I feel that would’ve been a great disservice. Yes, there are nods to the 70s yet we have that edgy suede choker/lariat, those super cool sunnies, and sneakers that couldn’t be labelled anything but high street. Let’s just go with camo coolness.
Sheela, 40s (sheela writes)
I’m quite pleased with how I’ve been able to convert this dress into 3 different pieces, this time as a skirt with waterfall hemline. It’s my personal fave of the series, actually, and here, I’ve worn it with a McQueen tank and a cardigan from Stitch Fix. There’s something I really adore about putting black, white, yellow and green together. I dare say you’ll be seeing more of this palette in the near future.
Jodie, 50s (jodie’s touch of style)
What a casual, summery look. I’d say this is perfect for an outing, for a picnic, for a walkabout with the family. Remember what I wrote about nuances and the little details? Investigate the party of dainty bracelets. And how her gladiator sandals echo her shades. Without remotely appearing so, there’s loads of things happening with this outfit, and everything comes together blissfully.
Nancy, 60s (jodie’s touch of style)
In the second part, Nancy made her camo top look ever so professional and tailored, and yet here it is, in a positively fun light. It’s fairly thought-defying, the world of difference a change in accessories can achieve, don’t you think? Speaking of which, I don’t wear flats, yes, but I find myself coveting her yellow sandals. Quite a fair bit, I might add.
Charlotte, 70s (jodie’s touch of style)
Look at Charlotte. All set for a night about town. She’s looking rather fabulous in this concoction. Poised and confident and striking without being overtly so. Brown wouldn’t have been first on my list had you’d asked me which colour to wear with camo but clearly, I’m (happily) wrong. Oh and see there? Yet another pair of flats I’m lusting after.
With that, my friends, we mark the conclusion to this particular joint venture. You’ve seen us in camo with pastels. Camo with bright colours. And today, we’ve made it work around print (or rather, we believe we did, and we hope you concur). Which rendition was your fave?
Pastels? Colours? Print?
Don’t forget to come join the Project Sister Act Link-Up.
Love, Sheela
Finally made the transition to AV and am now on YouTube as well as Snapchat (sheela.goh), would adore your support through subscribing to my channel/adding my snaps.
Pretty please?
p/s my photos by Eve
I link up here.
Sheela Writes 
Those heels and that cardigan are perfection together! I love this whole outfit!
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Sheela,
As always, I enjoy reading your insights and thoughts on your own style. I really love this outfit on you, the patterned SM top and that skirt! very cool, the hemline and the color. Of course the shoes, with the touch of yellow. Love the looks of everyone else as well. Jodie’s attention to detail and fun shorts! You all look camo cool!
Have a great weekend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
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This is such a fun collaboration! I always love seeing everyone’s look.
I don’t own anything camo (and honestly was never interested in it), but I’m starting to think I may need some… It’s interesting how our taste shifts and changes over time… I know I just started thinking about pattern mixing last year and now seek out ways to mix patterns. I also seek out patterns, something I didn’t like either in the past – almost everything in my closet was a solid…
Have a fabulous weekend & thanks for the linkup!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
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Girl here you go with some more fabulous shoes! You look amazing as always !
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I am just fascinated by this mix and how wonderfully it works together. I seriously want to try the way you have styled your maxi, as I love the the gentle draping.
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Wow, girl.
Only because I’ve had a terrible week with the website and my hormones must be running at an all time high (since the hot flashes have been full on this week), you actually had a tear come to my eyes. How does that happen?
Maybe because the things you wrote are things I’ve been thinking over these last 6 months? Not to be a “me too” kind of girl, but seriously—I used to be so judgmental about clothing & style. And I feel like these blogging experiences have opened my eyes (and heart)!
And then you go and write openly about it—-gosh you’re good!!
I may be way more conservative deep down, but your little pushes (and shoves) have gotten me up and over a hump (it still may not be easy, but what is?)
So in the words of the youngins…..back at ya!!
XOXOXO, jodie
ps…coveting those shoes again!
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Love your outfit! It’s chic, yet looks comfortable (well, I’d have to change out the shoes, but the rest looks comfy!)
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So fabulous! I love how you used the same dress for so many different styles! And those shoes, Sheela, those shoes! They are definitely show stoppers! All fabulous look s created by 5 fabulous and oh so stylish ladies! I love it!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
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Thanks for linking up On the Edge of the Week! I hope to see you again next week. Have a wonderful weekend!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
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I used to hate camo but now I have learned to like it and have a few items in my closet. Love all the ways you ladies styled camo!
Thank you for hosting and hope you are having a fab week!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
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Wow, I like all these patterns mixing but totally blending!
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I like camo but it tends to only show up in stores targeting teens and 20-somethings. I love this latest collaboration amongst you five and how you’ve all broken through that designer defined age barrier for camo. Maybe camo will be the new leopard this season? Thanks for the inspirations from Project Sister Act and for hosting.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
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Love the patterns, especially your heels with the touch of yellow! Such a perfect way to brighten up a monochromatic look. Great styling! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com
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I love this outfit. I have followed Jodie with all the posts and have to say I am going to have to try camo. I really like your camo skirt and the ways you have styled it.
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Fabulous shoes! They are perfectly combined with the edges at your jacket. Like it very much!
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Sheela, I love this look on you! Smashing! Thanks for sharing with us at #SimplifyWednesdays Pinned, Tweeted, Shared xo
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It really can be great to pair up with other bloggers and step outside of your comfort zone! I loved reading your post. The prints look wonderful on you, you rocked them!
http://www.stylebymemory.com
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Love this fun and edgy look on you! Those heels are fabulous and you look amazing!
Jill
Doused In Pink
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As I told Jodie, I’m not a camo fan (unless it’s in shades of PINK) but you’ve proven me wrong. Your camo is a unique pattern that I love and would wear. The regular camo looks like army clothes or something hunters wear, which are not happy thoughts for me. Adding pops of yellow and these sexy stilettos really makes this a fantastic outfit.
❤️carmen
https://fashionableover50.wordpress.com
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Such a fun look, I’m loving your shoes!
Annessa
http://www.seekingsunshine.com
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I love this series so much and would love to be a part of it again. Great job with all your camo pieces. I love love your outfit. Everything works in perfect harmony. The shoes, skirt and cardigan are my favorite. I also LOVE everyone’s shoes in this post and Jodie’s cool, chill, casual outfit.
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OMG! These shoes are fabulous!
xo, Maryam
http://www.glamandposh.com
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What a great cardigan! I love how it has pops of neon yellow, so cool! <3, Sharon
http://www.sharinaone.com/
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Love all of the features here! I especially love your honest, raw and truthful voice. Your snakeskin yellow heels are everything 😉
XOXO
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