Ode to Iris Apfel: Match Made in Seven
Welcome to the monthly edition of Match Made in Seven! We are an international group of fashion bloggers who meet virtually once a month. One of us chooses a theme each month, and that can be anything: a book, music, a color, a movie. And then we all style an outfit based on that theme.
This month’s theme was chosen by Sonja and is “Ode to Iris Apfel.” See my post about the theme below…and be sure to take a look at my fellow bloggers to see how they have interpreted the theme this month.
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
Debbie of https://www.debbiestyleslife.com/
Darlene of https://aquamarinastyle.com/
Sonja of https://www.yustsome.nl/
Anna of https://www.muttonstyle.com/
Emma of http://www.style-splash.com/
And now for this month’s theme: Ode to Iris Apfel
Some know style superstar Iris Apfel as that “Rare Bird of Fashion.” Some know her as the lady with the big round glasses. However you know her, everyone can recognize her individuality in her clothing and jewelry.
I recently watched a documentary about Iris (called, not surprisingly, “Iris”) and her career on Hulu. I never knew her history before, I recommend giving it a watch.
In it, she spoke about individuality and the increasing homogeneity of the fashion world. And for her, being individualistic means being bold, colorful, “out there.” And a lot of people think the same. But I’m here today to take a little different stance, and to say that Being Yourself is Whatever You Want it To Be.
If your comfort level is not standing out in a crowd, then feel free to blend in. If you feel the most like yourself when you’re dressing a certain way despite others gently nudging you to “try something different,” then stand your ground and wear what YOU want. If you want to pile on all the colors of the rainbow and every piece of jewelry you own, DO IT.
THAT is true individualism, to wear exactly what you want, in spite of what those around you are doing or saying.
As for myself, I am not a “stand out in the crowd” type of person. I don’t necessarily want to draw attention to myself through fashion…and that’s okay. I dress for myself, nobody else. That’s individuality. And what I feel like wearing can change from day to day…season to season…or year to year. Also okay.
So here is the dress I wear more than any other in my wardrobe…it’s going on its third year and it’s still my go-to when I want to feel comfortable and like ME. I like simplicity and comfort and ease. And this kind of outfit gives me all three.
I think Iris would be okay with this. As she says in the documentary, “It’s better to be happy than well-dressed.” And an outfit like this makes me happy.
What kind of clothing makes you happy??
What I Wore:
- Old Navy Tencel Pintuck Swing Dress, old. Comparable here.
- Old Navy Cream Open-Front Long-Line Sweater, size 2x. Only available right now in light grey but it’s on sale!
- Keds with no shoelaces. Cuz easy.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click on them and/or buy something as a result of clicking that link.
Marceline S Miller
Yes, yes, yes!
bettyewp
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Debbie@debbiestyleslife.com
Hi Bettye: What a great way to honor Iris by showcasing your own individual and beautiful style! I think she would heartily agree with you! I love that white dress and you look stunning wearing it. Now I’m thinking a white dress for summer would be pretty. I do have a white skirt so perhaps I’ll make do with that! Great post!
bettyewp
Thanks, Debbie. And while I, too, would love a white dress for summer…this one is actually the palest blue. A very very pale blue chambray.
Hope to see your white summer outfit soon!
Darlene
Bettye,
I love that you did this interpretation YOUR way. Absolutely what Iris would say to do! You look summer ready. Now if only summer weather would come our way!!
Have a great week, Bettye. Until the next challenge…
xx Darlene
bettyewp
Ha, hope you get some “summer” this weekend! We’re back to chilly rain today.
jodie filogomo
This is exactly what style should be, Bettye. I almost think it showcases how we are feeling about life and not every time of our life is where we want to stand out and say look at me.
I loved reading about Iris Apfel and her thought about life. She is quite a character….just like you are.
XOOX
Jodie
bettyewp
I hope you watch the documentary – she’s not as much of a “character” as you might think from her fashion style. She was very laid-back and thoughtful. Seems like a genuinely lovely human being.
Nancy
Now that is a original expression of the theme! As Iris said, I want to look in the mirror and see myself! Perfect Bettye! And how good dresses and long cardigans look on you!
bettyewp
Thanks, Nancy! Ha ha, you should know by now, after a couple months of different themes, I have a way of bending any theme to MY WILL 🙂
Ruth Josey
I’m with you, Bettye – I don’t love to stand out in a crowd (at least not in fashion…. well, in some crowds anyway). I do love Iris’ style….on her. I do like trying new fashion pieces but if I’m not comfortable with the look, I won’t feel good about myself. I love the outfit you’ve chosen – it’s definitely something I’d wear – it’s very flattering on you!
Ruth
http://www.VogueFauxReal.com
bettyewp
Thanks, Ruth. It can feel a little challenging in the blogging world to feel you need to “keep up,” with more and more extravagant or avant garde outfits. But I’m much more of a “slow and steady wins the race” kinda gal…and I want to be comfortable til I cross the finish line 🙂 I’m glad my outfit resonated with you!
Sonja
WoW… I loved to read your blogpost about who you are and feel happy in this dress!
bettyewp
Thanks, Sonja!
Iris
Well, while I love bright colors, I don’t usually care for her outfits – and that’s okay too. I do appreciate that she dresses “her” style. But then, when you’re as old as she is you definitely should be able to dress anyway you want.
And speaking of dress – I LOVE this dress you’re wearing Bettye – and the sweater. Both look comfty – and that’s my style these days.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
I really enjoyed the documentary about her. She’s more than just her clothes. She seemed such a gentle, reasonable, kind, generous person – treating everyone with the same kindness and respect, whether it was the CEO of J. Crew or the doorman of her Park Ave apartment. And she and her husband – what a sweet, long-lasting love they shared! He, sadly, passed away a few years ago at the age of 100. It’s well worth a watch.
John Vega
Hi Bettye,
You have a really good sense of collaborating fashion, color, and an amazing interpretation. Your summer outfits are awesome. I enjoyed reading about Iris Apfel and her story. I feel this enjoyment. When it comes to fashion, beauty, and style, don’t you like to wear Pewter Charms?
Thanks
John
Gail
I love your interpretation – very clever, it IS all about individualism! Iris has a unique and powerful style, but so do we all, in our own way! I would love to see you in my #WowOnWednesday link up!
Emma Peach
The think I love most about Iris is that she wears exactly what she wants, and that’s how it should be. You have to feel like “you” and dress in what makes you happy, whether it’s a ton of bangles and beads or a minimalist style. You look radiant and happy in the lovely sundress and cardigan 🙂
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com