Good morning, good afternoon and good evening, fashionistas and clothes-wearing friends. It is the third Thursday of the month which means it is time for Ageless Style 09.2023. Can you guess by the theme of this month’s prompt just who might have chosen it? You might think it was Jodie, who lives in Arizona, but she chose the theme for August, summer denim. It was I!! Your Chihuahuan Desert-dwelling friend!! I chose this month’s theme…southwestern flavor.
It was also my month to choose the theme for the Tell Us About link up for which I am co-host. For that prompt, I chose the word ‘legacy.’ Please check out that post coming out a bit later today, here.
Ageless Style 09.2023
You might remember we had Joanne’s choice for our Ageless Style post in July. One-n-done. I featured this Loft jumpsuit. Then the Ageless Style prompt for June was one of my favorites…leading ladies. The minute Bo announced the theme, I had an idea which leading lady’s look I wanted to recreate. You can find that post, here. It’s been a fun summer for this series.
Jodie selected the theme for last month’s post. Summer denim. I knew I had plenty of denim in the closet already…but had just seen this darling dress at Walmart online. At a price of under $15, I had to have it. If nothing else, I figured I could cut it up for rags if it just didn’t work for me as a dress. But BONUS – I loved it!! Have a look…summer denim.
I wanted my theme to represent the area where I live. Beautiful far west Texas. And in the last year or so I have added a number of southwest-inspired pieces to my closet. Many of them are more appropriate for the cooler temps of fall and winter. They are like old friends and I can’t wait to wear them again. So, you may be seeing more southwest looks on my blog and social media in the coming months.
Just a reminder: Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After occasionally uses affiliate links which are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link provided I may receive a very small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Please find the places and posts where I link-up on this page.
Southwestern Flavor
When I think of southwestern flavor, I think of cilantro, cumin and cayenne. And the colors associated with those spices…sage, goldenrod, terra cotta (parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme). Some of my favorite colors. Warm earth tones. Those are the colors featured in the kimono that serves as the focal point for my Ageless Style look for September.
For my birthday last spring, PC gave me a Versona gift card. Do you have a Versona store near you? Ours went into the space that had once been occupied by Charming Charlie. I was so sad when Charming Charlie closed up shop. But Versona is just as fabulous if not better because Versona has more clothing. And beautiful accessories, too. All very affordable. I used my gift card to buy this kimono and the little horsehead earrings.
Versona Kimono
The kimono is very long. Almost like a duster. This is the way I wore it the first time. JCP olive straight leg denim, Target orange tee and Cavender’s cowgirl boots.
When I wore it today, I channeled my friend Jodie, who always makes the cleverest adaptations to her clothing. Tied the long sleeves to the tails of the back of the kimono to make it shorter then paired it with my new Old Navy denim skirt and a Loft brown tee shirt. I think I like the kimono with the orange better than the dark brown. What do you think?
My white cowgirl boots are so comfortable!! I have enjoyed wearing them this spring and summer with skirts and dresses. Looking for a pair of comfy boots? Look no further…try these Globalwin western, low heel, walking boots (for Saloon Girls & Ladies according to Amazon).
Tying the sleeves and tail made the kimono shorter and more manageable with my skirt.
And here’s a close-up look at my cutie earrings. They are very lightweight and have a little bling around the edge of the horse. You know how saloon girls and women like their bling.
Not sure you are ready to embrace the southwest flavor in a big way? Try a pair of earrings like mine. Maybe a belt. I am hoping to pick up this turquoise buckle belt and/or the heading west belt at my Versona tomorrow. The heading west belt comes in pink or black.
I recently ordered this sweatshirt from Wonder Closets. waiting for it to arrive!! Wouldn’t it be cute with one of those belts?
I plan to exchange the Daisy Dukes shown above for either my denim skirt or a pale pink pleated skirt. Love that the colors are kind of unexpected for fall. I had hoped to have it for this post but the package has been sitting in Grand Prairie, Texas for 4 days. Waaaaaa!! Excited to finally be able put this look together if the package ever comes.
More Southwest Flavor
Still not sure about this trend? Here are few other outfits I have put together with subtle southwest styling.
Maybe you could try a fringed jacket? An Aztec print kimono. Cowgirl boots. Turquoise jewelry. A bandana or neckerchief. You don’t have to go whole hog or jump in with both feet. Just get your feet wet a little bit!!
For more inspiration, take a peek at another Versona find I featured in a Western Wear post in 01.2022. Can’t wait to wear this little number again real soon.
And look what I found at Versona yesterday…more little ways to work a bit of southwest into your wardrobe.
Walmart is getting in on the action, too. These Time and Tru western slouch boots are extremely affordable and earn good marks. Or maybe these Jikolililili lace-up retro mid-calf boots also available at Walmart.com. They look right off the range. And I found these boots in my local store.
Your Turn
What do you think of the southwest trend? Is it something you can see yourself wearing or one you will pass on? Maybe consider just sampling it with one little ingredient and see how it feels. It has become one of my favorite style aesthetics. And I can’t wait to see what my blogging buddies have put together. Let’s go find out!!
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Joanne ~ My Slice of Life
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Rosemary ~ Distinctly Southern Style
Blog / Instagram / Pinterest / Facebook
If you have a style post you’d like to share, please link-up with us below.
Off to double-check my suitcase. I wrote this post for Where Bloggers Live about what I was packing for my visit to my sister’s house. But then I unpacked it, removed a couple of things and added more casual outfits. We are going to be scrapbooking, hiking and scrapbooking some more. Also attending a University of Tennessee football game. Excited to have some down time with one of my favorite folks.
Speaking of favorite folks, thank YOU for stopping by today. I appreciate your visit!!
Hugs and kisses,
I love that kimono–adorable! I’ll have to check out Versona the next time I’m in Pittsburgh. You’re southwest flavor descriptions made me feel very nostalgic.
Versona has a lot of El Paso-flavored things. Hope you find something you like. I am sure you do get occasionally nostalgic or homesick, but boy, are you living the life!! Was worried about you with that escaped convict meandering around up there a few weeks ago. Not at all sure if he was anywhere near where you guys live but thought of you.
We need to stop by Versona and pick you up a pair of those hot pink boots while we are Knoxville. Maybe those are a little too bold for you, but my might look awesome with your new sweatshirt. Love shopping with you, you make me think about new things.
Ohh, I have been wanting to get a long denim skirt, I’ve been seeing them everywhere. ANND I have a pair of white cowgirl boots (or whatever you’d call them) and I didn’t even think of combining the two! You are brilliant! I am sure this style does mesh well with where you live.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Oh my goodness, Leslie, this kimono is so wonderful! I love the adorable little cactus print! I am all about southwestern flair! It pretty much dominates my wardrobe. Such a fun theme, I am really enjoying everyone’s outfits and styling ideas so much!
Shelbee
First off, I’m in love with that kimono…for some reason I love anything with cactus on it.
And how cute that you became the boss of your clothes with that kimono. Good job making it shorter!! I’m SO SO proud of you,
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
That duster/kimono is so cute and while I love it paired with jeans that skirt adaptation is wonderful too.
Thank you. Having looked at the photos, I like the kimono best with the jeans and the orange tee.
That kimonon is so pretty, Leslie! I am going to be on the lookout for a pair of short western boots, preferably 2nd hand. I really enjoyed the prompt!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Leslie,
Love your southwestern vibes with the gorgeous kimono and white boots🥰
That kimono is gorgeous and fits the prompt so well. I love that you took the colors from the spices. I never would have thought of that. And, yes, I like the kimono better with the orange, but the brown looks really good, too! I am still on the lookout for a denim skirt. So far, no luck!
Have a fabulous weekend, my friend!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I like this Old Navy skirt because it has a little stretch without stretching out to the point of falling off!!
Thank you for the kind comment. And thank you for the package with the darling dress and camisole top. I appreciate both so much. They were here waiting for me when I returned from visiting my sister in Tennessee on Monday night. Love them. And your sweet, generous heart.
You certainly rocked this theme! Love those earrings and fabulous kimono! They are so perfect!
Thank you so much!!
I just love that kimono! It is so cute! Loved this challenge. It was one of my favs!
Your kimono is such a fun piece! Love it with both the orange and brown tops (orange is my favorite)! I’ve been searching for a long denim skirt this season! I love how this look came together!
Jill – Doused in Pink