Creating an impression.
One that hits home.
I doubt I’d be distorting facts when I put forth that we’ve all done something to send a message at least once in our lives, if not countless times.
Making a statement could be as rudimentary as wearing black lipstick to rebel against the powers that be, or something far more significant, more meaningful such as taking a stand against Trump. Joining the #MeToo movement. Going public with your sexual orientation. Articulating an opinion about a topic near and dear to you. Participating in a rally.
In one way or another, we all make statements. And, naturally, the way we dress is perhaps the most eloquent, versatile and personal weapon in our arsenal to send a message. Fashion has the innate ability to influence politics, culture, life, and that is not an exaggerated claim.
F A S H I O N I S A W E A P O N
We outfit ourselves to match our views and beliefs about anything and everything pertinent, be it consciously or subconsciously. And regularly too. Because essentially, human society equals a dressed society. What one wears, how one wears it and when one wears it constitutes expressions of degrees of social freedoms and influences.
Dress expression spans the full gamut from conformity (yuck) to doing your own thing (hey girl hey). Simply put, a dress style that challenges (or is perceived as challenging, or offering an alternative to the status quo) quickly acquires a double entendre.
Hence the social power of fashion.
Of dressing up.
A N D T H A T ' S W H A T W E ' R E D O I N G T O D A Y
Fashion statements can mean a variety of things. Clearly. They can be a statement of liberation, such as women wearing pants in the ’50s and ’60s. They can be statements of personality, such as funky vintage wear that reflects your aura. Or, as in my case, the ever present touch of leather and metal, and let’s not forget my battalion of shoes either. They can even be statements on the state of fashion itself, such as Jennifer Lopez’s infamous belly dress (which, if reports are to be believed, is the catalyst which gave rise to the birth of that thing we have all come to love and desperately depend on, Google Search. I kid you not).
This month, the Fab 40s are doing something which appears easy and innocuous on the surface, but which has actually turned out to be quite the mind-bender. For me, at least.
Statement Tees.
Simple enough, yes?
No.
When it came down to the crunch, I realised I really wanted to make a point with my tee of choice, duh Sheela, but the problem was I couldn’t decide on what statement I wanted to make.
You all know how I feel about self-love, empowerment, anything conventional.
And because of that, I felt I had to push the envelope just a bit with the message I sent. So I hunted and I hunted and I dug and I dug (literally through piles of tee shirts, Jennie, pinkie swear), until I remembered this piece.
Woman Up.
Definition of Woman Up, “Continue to put one foot in front of the other, moving forward, ever moving forward regardless of fear or the unknown. Moving forward, sometimes half day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time.“
To be your own person, to be in control of your own life. To take charge, and not let anyone else tell you what to do.
It was perfect (and it will become even more apparent why I chose this tee shirt when you click on the website from which it came).
Let’s take a look at what everyone did this month. It’s nothing short of spectacular. And unique. And completely true to their individual personalities.
Jennie, A Pocketful Of Polka Dots
Like me, Jennie has a definite thing for shoes. Unlike me, she wears them all from preppy loafers to sweet Mary Janes, to today’s rendition of sex on heels. Everything melds beautifully here, yet makes a powerful impact on its own. The polka dots on her blazer echo the spikes on her shoes perfectly. Her belt and tote could very well be fraternal twins. And her statement tee? Ha!!! Too precious and all too true for many of us.
Ann, Kremb de la Kremb
Annie always brings something fresh to the table, and it is almost always accompanied by a zesty pop of colour. Here, she’s taken basic tee + cutoffs, and turned the outfit into something which falls neatly (and nicely) into the realm of athleisure, with dollops of fun. See the heart-shaped sunnies, and the pom pom drop earrings, and her signature waist pouch which, I think, is housing a brightly coloured kerchief? And her sneakers. I want her sneakers.
Mary, Curly Byrdie Chirps
I rather feel that Mary had a stroke of genius in pairing her tee with that hi-lo skirt with its glorious, flirty ruffles (is that a bustle effect??). What a dramatic look!! Nothing is matchy matchy, but everything comes together immaculately. From the tassel earrings to the shades in her hand, right down to those heels making her legs look as though they go on forever. And what an excellent choice of a statement. Honey. Smooth. Sweet. Perfect.
Suzy, Suzy Turner
Let’s shine. Yes, please, let’s. Thank you, Suzy, for this statement you’re making. It may not be the message you intended to share but it’s certainly the one I’ve interpreted 🙂 thank you for the reminder that we must shine bright. Like a diamond. And shine so bright until no one can dim our lights, not even ourselves. Incidentally, your entire outfit is divine. The subtle yet gilded glimmers of gold. The flirty tulle. Quite the Midas touch.
For this month, we have the lovely Maria as our guest.
I was just talking to Eve about this two evenings ago. The importance of “me” time. And the equal importance of doing absolutely nothing which can also translate into “me” time, and how terribly underrated that appears to be these days. We think nothing of slaving away for our loved ones. For deadlines. But when it comes to investing a few moments into ourselves, that heady rush of guilt is all too familiar a sensation. That has to stop. It’s not healthy. That’s the reason why Maria’s look is my absolute fave this month!! And the fact that yes, those jeans do work wonders for one’s finest assets GRIN thank you so much for being a part of The Fab 40s this month, lady!!!
And here’s me.
Top (c/o Smile Makers ) | Suit (Forever21) | Cuff (c/o Unearthed) | Sunnies (Chanel)
Happy Monday, everyone!! I leave tomorrow for a month long vacation back in Borneo, and true to form, have yet to finish packing. Help.
KISSES!!!
Love, Sheela
p/s I link up here.
Sheela Writes 
Start packing woman!! Ha ha, I have everything ready a week before we go! What a fantastic suit Sheela! I wish you a fabulous time in Borneo!
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Enjoy the holiday Sheela! You got it all going on here girl! Classic Prince Of Wales check with a twist. I wouldn’t expect anything other from you. You look bloody amazing!
Laurie xx
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You woman up with the best of them Sheela!
And adding this shirt to such an amazing suit, is one way to show how empowering it can be!! As usual, you always know how to give voice to any subject!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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Sheela, I just LOVE this post. Everything about it. You’ve nailed the statement tee and you’ve really made a statement at the same time and I love that about you. You always manage to do that. And that suit ROCKS!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
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What a fantastic read. I wanted to throw my fist in the air and yell ‘Woman Up!’. LOVE how you’ve spoken about the social power of fashion. Oh and (overly) thrilled (yeeey) that you liked my choice so much! Thanks for having me along, it’s been so great joining you ladies this month xx Maria | Passion fruit, Paws and Peonies
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Gosh, I know I’ve told you this time and time again, but I love your writing just as much as the visual splendor. You have such a way with words it’s insane! You make me think; I really, really appreciate that.
And yes! Let’s WOMAN UP!
Love, Annie
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You are making a statement in this look ,you look amazing
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I love your slogan tee. And you’re right – what we wear is so much about what we want to say to the world and how we want to project ourselves. I personally wear a lot of bright colours because I see myself as a bright, bubbly person. In many ways, what we dress ourselves in as a physical representation of how we see ourselves. Thank you for this thought-provoking post.
Anyway someone really enjoyed this post so they added it to the BlogCrush linky for some extra exposure. Congrats! If you’d like, you can now collect your “I’ve been featured” blog badge 🙂 #blogcrush
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I am so far behind on catching up with you amazing ladies of the Fab 40’s! I think I have missed the last 3 months of posts. Gah! For that, I apologize. As you well know, life all too often gets the best of us and of our time. Although, I have been indulging myself in plenty of me time which is great…but sometimes I get a little greedy about it and overdo it! Oh well. I have been making great strides in not allowing myself to fret over too many things…so here I am a wee bit late but still adoring your every word and every outfit and every important and powerful message that you share, my friend! I hope you are enjoying your extended trip and I look forward to catching up with you soon! You look fabulous as usual!
Much love and many hugs,
Shelbee
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