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 Debbie of Debbie Styles Life . Debbie has challenged us with the theme “Steel Magnolias.” 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…and notice we’re welcoming a new member to the group this month, Eva of Costume Takeout

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style 

Debbie of Debbie Styles Life

Darlene of Aquamarina Style

Anna of Mutton Style

Emma of Style-Splash

Eva of Costume Takeout

I always sorta felt like I was southern. I don’t know why, I’m not.  I mean, my mother was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas…and her family all ended up in Southern California, where I was born, but…Southern California is not really southern.

And yet…

I feel such an affinity for the south – the way things are done, the way things are said. And maybe most of all, the food. What’s more southern than fried chicken and sweet tea? And y’all (<- there it is!) KNOW I love me some sweet tea!

So I thought I’d make myself a little picnic and wear the most feminine dress I have…because a Steel Magnolia may look all sugar and spice, but on the inside she’s made of steel.

I’ve shown this dress here several times: last fall with a denim jacket, and more recently styled three different ways appropriate for colder weather. This is the first time I’m showing it in warm weather. I was looking for something lightweight to add to it, but in the end it felt too warm for that and I just let it stand on its own. I love the fluttery sleeves and ruffly bottom.

And all southern ladies wear hats!

Make sure you check out the other MMi7 ladies today to see how they styled “Steel Magnolias.”

What I’m Wearing

  • Old Navy Cotton Dress, size 3x. No longer available. Comparable here and here.
  • Keds sneakers with no laces (they’re just too hard!)
  • The hat was a gift and is nameless. Comparable here and here.

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