Sunday, July 24, 2016

Midsummer Midlife Fun: Shorts


A short while ago, I showed you my first in probably a good 10 years pair of shorts (here). I admitted in that post that shorts were never my favorite garment, not even back when I was very young and yes, in better physical shape. But one thing that aging unmistakably changes for me is my level of self-acceptance.  I think like many of us, I was way, I mean waaaaay too hard on myself when I was younger. So many things don't seem to be such a big of a deal to me anymore. Now I wear jumpsuitsoverallsrompersculottes and even shorts. I don't do it to rebel or seek for approval of anyone, or for any such reasons. I do it for one reason only, and it is to drop my own inner barriers, which is all that ever matters, really. And it feels liberating!


Today, I invited two of my dear blogging friends to join me in a fun collaborative link-up (or blog hop) where each of us would wear shorts to inspire women to feel free to wear either what used to intimidate them, or what they rejected as age (or size) "inappropriate". It can be anything really, as each of us has her own inner taboos. We wanted to show that we middle-aged women (or those approaching middle age), some delightfully plump, some having troubles accepting one or the other part of our changing bodies, not only can look good wearing those "taboo" garments, but truly feel wonderful wearing them! We invite you to join us! Let us all have a good time, middle age or not, shorts or not. Feel free to simply be yourself and enjoy it. The link-up is open for one week. Anyone is welcome to participate. Link your new or old posts, visit each other and have the best time!


Introducing Midsummer Midlife Fun beautiful and talented co-hostesses, 
my blogging friends from Germany - Tina and Beate
Come over to their blogs to learn about their own unique takes on styling shorts HERE and HERE!

Beate writes passionately about sustainable living, vintage fashion, cottage gardening and the magical place in the mountains where she lives. She gave an interview for In the Writer's Closet last year, which you can read here

Romantic Beate of Bahnwaerterhaeuschen (her blog name translates as "railroad keeper's house")


Tina takes beautiful photos of the places she visits and posts wonderful mother-and-daughter outfits, often with unexpected elements of whimsy and humor. She also hosts her own fashion link-up every Friday, do check it out! 

Glamorous Tina of Tina's Pink Friday


Aren't they gorgeous girls? Don't be put off by a language you don't understand - Google Translate usually can give you a good idea of what bloggers write about, and Style is a universal language, as is heart, and there is plenty of both heart and style in their blogs!


So where to start when you'd like to approach a garment which used to intimidate you? If you ask me, I'd say go for what touches your heart! It can be that something about the item that reminds you of your childhood, or about your hero (don't we all have them). It can be the texture of fabric, or a particularly inspiring color, or a detail that makes you swoon. You gotta love what you wear! And for that, a garment has to be personal, not generic.


For me, it was the beautiful linen blend and old-fashioned color/pattern of this set. Some of you call this type of outfit a playsuit, and I like that. (Earlier, I showed the top here and the duster here.) I really love the outfit I created this time. It has this charming 1920-1930s vibe that just melts my heart. I think wearing top+shorts would be awesome for a day in a park, and having a duster or long cardigan is a great option for a stroll in town and dinner at your favorite place. And a hat elevates any outfit! If you want just one thing to add to your wardrobe to get an instant stylish effect, I think it needs to be a hat! :)



It does not really matter why, where and when we get our "taboos" and which of them are justified by who-knows-whose standard. If they feel restricting to you, let them go! What matters is feeling good about ourselves - 
today, 
here,
 now! 


Top, shorts and purse - Old Navy
Duster - ASOS Curve
Hat and sunnies - Lane Bryant
Canvas oxfords - Toms (old)

Linking up with Visible Monday

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27 comments:

  1. Wohooo Nataliaaaaaa ! You look very beautiful in this cute playsuit. With duster and the hat like a lady in a big house cutting her roses. You know downton abbey ? :) I know they wear long dresses, but I see you there in my inner eyes.
    Thanks for your great idea - midlife fun!
    Wish you a wonderfull sunday, kisses and hughs Tina

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    1. Thank you, Tina! Yes, I watched the series and I love the periods of fashion they engage. So I'm very touched. You have keen inner eyes. :)
      Thank you for jumping in - isn't it fun to just improvise and go with the flow? :)

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  2. wonderful post my dear!!!
    love how you explained that´s not a case of how our body look - that it is a case of how we feel in our body!! thank you darling for inviting me!
    how do i wish i could sit with you and tina in a café - chatting, sipping coffee and eating cake and showing to the world that we are comfortable the way how mother nature made us :-)
    tons of hugs and kisses!!!
    xxxxxxx

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    1. And some day we will! :) I am so happy that we are doing this - it feels empowering!
      True acceptance is unconditional and has nothing to do with any "measurable" things.
      Love you!

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    2. oh yes sit in a Café with you both and eat cake and talk.... and knuddel, sorry hugh :)
      Natalia you had a very good idea with this midlife fun post. I wish the link-up is longer open maybe one month? It's not only a post, it' s a messsge!
      Or we can make a collection midlife fun in future? together?
      send you much kisses and hughs Tina

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    3. I see what you mean, Tina. I consider Midlife Fun being a regular feature, but I haven't decided on details yet. For me, what matters most that is in an inspired idea. I'll be more than happy to work with you again - we seem to have such easiness between us.

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  3. Thanks for your linkup. Great combination, the patern and the lightpink coat. All thumbs up.
    Have a good time.
    Sunny

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    1. Thank you, Sunny! Thank you for joining us!!
      Much love.

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  4. I'll need to think on this one but excited to give it a go.

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    1. Come as you are! Some women don't even think twice about wearing shorts, they just wear them. To me, it's a huge leap of faith. Find yours and jump in! :)
      Hugses!

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  5. I only really wear shorts when I'm gardening and it's sunny. As your link-up proves they look great on all shapes, ages and sizes but if I'm out and about I feel more "me" in maxi length dresses and skirts. Love the playsuit! xxx

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    1. My dear, you look sexy even when gardening! And you rock maxi dresses every single time, such a great collection you have!
      Love

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  6. I love your playful take on fashion. This is no exception.
    I live in shorts in summer. So practical and yet cool.
    I really don't think much about the length and my age.
    I think I would find it harder to dress up in a glamorous boned evening gown!
    Xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. Thank you, JJ! This is all about feeling loved by ourselves... and pushing our comfort zone just a little! Join us! In shorts - or in an evening gown, your choice! :)
      Much love

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  7. Well done on the link up and the idea behind it, feeling comfortable in your own body is just so important.Embrace the wearing of your shorts set , it looks great on you and I love your styling.

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    1. Thank you, Jill! I invite you to participate with any of your wonderful and very unique looks too!

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  8. Love this new link idea - and your shorts too. Very summery, authentic look, and you're fabulous. xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thank you, Patti! I love your word "authentic" - it feels very me, somehow, even though I don't wear shorts much.

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  9. Congrats on your link up, I will have to remember to join next time. I love this gingham shorts set, I prefer this over a romper since it's easier to use the bathroom and have so many more options on how to wear it. I love it with the duster!

    Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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    1. You're welcome to join this time, Alice - it will be still open for a few days.
      I agree with you, a playsuit is much more practical compared to a romper, but both a fun to wear!

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  10. I am gladly contributing to your link up and I'm so happy you have the energy to come up with so many new ideas!

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    1. It's nice to see you again, Kelly! Midlife brings not just a crisis - if you work through it, you'll start really appreciating this stage of life and having fun with it!

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  11. I love the checked shorts and matching top! So fabulous, with the peach duster to add some flair! I also like the style of your stylish friends. I don't like wearing shorts for some reason, but love seeing them on others. I have always been a skirt girl. But I love lace trimmed shorts and short sets and rompers! You look great!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/

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    1. Thank you, Elle! So was I - not really a shorts kind of girl. :) But they are great, now I appreciate them.

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  12. That is fabulous, commendable, and definitely an incredibly good reason to wear anything. You and your confidence rock, my stylish friend.

    xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  13. great share in style post! so nice to see all of your gals rocking the shorts style:)

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