Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Match Made In Seven: Steel Magnolias

Are You A Steel Magnolia?


Hi everyone! It's that fun time of the month when my international fashion/lifestyle blogger's group interprets a theme chosen by one of us. The theme can be anything; a movie, color, favorite book, etc. This month the theme is chosen by me and is "Steel Magnolias." I think I really challenged the group with this one but, hey, if I could come up with interpreting themes like "Punk" and "Neon" I knew these fantastic and fashionable ladies could handle a theme like Steel Magnolias! Be sure to check out each of their blogs after you have read my post to see how they interpreted the theme. Their links will appear at the end of the post. And, this month, we welcome Eva to our group! 


When I chose this theme I was thinking a lot about what has been going on in our country and the world with the Covid 19 pandemic. I thought about the strength that women (and men) around the world have needed and continue to need as we go through this uncertain time. If you look up the definition of a "steel magnolia" it says; "A woman who exemplifies both traditional femininity as well as an uncommon fortitude." Even before the pandemic, the women in our Match Made in Seven group have shown their strength as well as their femininity in their lives and on their blogs. We are women who have weathered many storms and have come out of these storms full of the wisdom, character, strength and femininity that is a Steel Magnolia. So, with that in mind, I have chosen two outfits that I feel show my fortitude as well as my femininity.



Wearing a jacket with a dress has always made me feel strong and confident in a business-like way. This blue jacket by "For Cynthia" pairs beautifully with the multi-color dress by "MSN."  




Adding some great jewelry like a silver pin and silver earrings enhances the look and, of course, every Steel Magnolia needs a pearl necklace! Click here to see some of the cast of Steel Magnolias the movie rocking jackets and pearls!


I also love the feminine look of a blouse with a bow at the neck. These blouses are on trend right now and harken back to the 80's when I was starting a career in education and wanted to look professional and like I knew what I was doing! I was always careful to try and "dress for success" when I went to school each day. After all, I was the teacher! The peach clutch with a tassel is also a feminine touch to a more business-like look. Every Steel Magnolia needs a few bows and tassels in their wardrobe! The blouse, by Lark & Ro, is available in many colors on Amazon if you are interested. I was especially pleased to find that there is a loop on the back of the neck for the tie so it can be removed if you prefer to wear the blouse without the bow. 


You know, the world is made up of women whom I believe are Steel Magnolias. They work hard, take care of their homes and families, care for their friends and multi-task with so many things while looking gorgeous doing it! These women are gorgeous not because of the clothing they wear or the styling of their hair and makeup, but because of the strength of character they bring to everything and everyone in their world. You know, I have a feeling that you, dear reader, are a Steel Magnolia too!

Now, please be sure to head on over to the other ladies' blogs and enjoy their posts. And, I hope you will leave a comment. I love hearing from you!




Until Next Time,
Debbie




7 comments:

Fashion Schlub said...

I couldn't wait to see your interpretation of your heme, Debbie, and you did not disappoint!

Ha ha, I also considered pearls, but I looked for my pearl earrings and couldn't find them, boo.

I love your "bowed" blouse, I can just see back in the day dressing to impress every day in your classroom!

Bettye
https://fashionschlub.com

Sharon said...

This is a beautiful post, Debbie, both in the outfits that you put together and in the words you wrote. Your words are inspiring during this time when it seems hard sometimes to hold everything together. Both of your looks are beautiful, but I really like your colorful dress with the teal jacket. Thank you for such an encouraging post!

Karen said...

That's a great dress Debbie! I love the pattern and the colors. The topper is pretty with it too, and the blouse and pants is also a classy, feminine look! You really nailed it here!

Nancy 's Fashion Style said...

Oh how beautiful written! And you did challenge us indeed. But that's the fun thing about these kind of collaborations isn't it! I love how you interpret Steel Magnolias!

Darlene said...

Debbie, I SO struggled with this one! And your post nailed it! I loved the movie and the great women but couldn't think of anything in my closet to demonstrate it! Like you, I started teaching in the 80s, and like you, I dressed very professionally. The kids used to ask me why I dressed up when the other teachers wore jeans and sweatshirts and I told them it was because education is such an important thing! And yes, I had MANY bow blouses! Haha! I was trying to look like I knew what I was doing, too! I loved your explanation of your outfits that show "fortitude as well as femininity!" Perfect!

xx Darlene

eva @StyleMyThrift said...

debbie! great tie-in for the theme! now i see why!! lovely! i love that all the ladies went for feminine styles, and all ladies are strong...debbie, that blue blouse is amazing...
xo Eva so excited to be part of this group!

stylesplash@live.co.uk said...

Two fabulous outfits Debbie! I love the turquoise jacket! You really did challenge us with this theme...but sometimes that's a good thing!

Emma xxx
www.style-splash.com