Match Made in Seven: Steel Magnolias
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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Debbie@debbiestyleslife.com
You’re a gorgeous Steel Magnolia, Bettye! Love your dress and your hat. I’ve seen several hats lately that I love and I’m thinking of getting a hat for this summer. Great post!
bettyewp
Thanks, Debbie – for your kind words AND challenging theme!
jodie filogomo
I just adore this dress on you Bettye!! The color, the print…it all works so great.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
bettyewp
Thanks, Jodie – it’s a favorite, for sure!
Marceline S Miller
Didn’t you say you had attended a college in Virginia? Well, there you go!!
bettyewp
Ha, you’re right! I didn’t even think of that!
Susan Sommer
So funny, your mother was the most Southern woman I’ve ever met. Don’t tell me otherwise!
bettyewp
She was extremely gracious…and I do think that’s a hallmark trait of Southerners.
xoxo
Penny
That is such a lovely dress – the colour is wonderful. Nice to see your hat as well 🙂
bettyewp
Hats are kind of new to me but I’m having fun with them, if I don’t have to worry about hat head!!!
Nancy
Oh we just call you a southern steel magnolia! I always loved dressed on you and this one is no exception. Lovely colors and so summery!
eva @ StyleMyThrift
Bettye!
If i knew you were in So. Cal., I would have hopped on a flight and had the picnic with you! I love the way you styled the whole shoot! the dress!! let’s talk about the dress! and the picnic!….so much fun…
and to us Nor. Cal’rs, you in the South!
love your Steel Magnolia interpretation!
xo Eva
bettyewp
I’m not in SoCal NOW, but most of my family is and I spent a lot of time there while growing up. Now I’m in NY. DEFINITELY not Southern!!!!
Darlene
You nailed the theme, Bettye! Yes, while I live in Southern California, I don’t call myself Southern. I could NEVER say y”all though it sounds cute coming from others! Lol! Your dress and hat and picnic, and your description of a steel magnolia are perfect!
xx Darlene
Darlene
Oops, bad grammar. Make that “is perfect.” Lol!
Donna
This is such an adorable look on you, Bettye – and you’ve captured it just right!! Thank you for sharing!
Donna 🧚🏻♀️❤️🐝
https://donnadoesdresses.com
Emma Peach
Such a pretty dress, you look lovely! My goodness, this was a hard theme…I’m hoping for an easy one next month!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
bettyewp
Ha ha, I feel like “that was such a hard theme” is something I say Every Month! I’m ALWAYS hoping for an easy one!!!