I’m putting on my evil face because, for the Fab 40s this month, we’re being inspired by fairytales. And not all fairytales are all light and airy, oh no. Some of the very best fairytales are dark and filled with doom and gloom, right (actually, most of them are!)? So, my take on being inspired by fairytales features the darkness within. The villainesses of such fairytales. Maleficent, the Black Fairy, the Evil Queen. You get the picture right?
Creating a fairytale theme
This month, it was up to me to come up with the Fab 40s theme, and being the imaginative, storyteller that I am (!), I just couldn’t resist suggesting something a bit different. Something a bit mad. And yes, something a bit quirky. That’s me! So, ‘inspired by fairytales’ was the result. I probably should’ve given it a bit more thought because do you know how difficult it is to come up with an outfit that is, in fact, inspired by fairytales? It ain’t easy! I think the other gals of the Fab 40s gang, thought I’d gone mad (or should I say, evil?!). I think they struggled as much as I did. Poor Annie from Kremb de la Kremb misunderstood my theme altogether, but not to worry, she nailed it anyway! (NOTE – since writing that last sentence, it has come to my attention that Annie didn’t make a mistake. I did! My initial theme was called ‘Tales of the Unexpected: Inspired by Fairytales’. Annie was quite correct in fact! I just chose fairytales instead!!
So, let’s talk about my fairytale outfit. You might think I went a little fancy dress with the addition of the black feather in the hair but I couldn’t resist. I had intended to dig out my Harry Potter wand too but then forgot to take it with me lol.
Never worn before…
I bought this beautiful navy blue dress from Massimo Dutti several years ago, and do you think I’ve ever worn it? Nope. Not once. Crazy, right? It’s such a beautiful full length dress, but I guess I just don’t go anywhere fancy enough to wear dresses like this. Unfortunately I completely forgot to take a couple of photos without the cardigan to show you the full dress. I will next time though.
The shoes were hand-me-downs from my lovely pal, Christine. In case you’re wondering, I didn’t hike up there in these heels lol! I wore flip flops (which are probably worse!). And this pretty silver clutch belonged to my late step-mother-in-law.
I chose to wear this cardigan with the dress because it wasn’t particularly warm on this occasion. The weather is still really up and down over here in the Algarve. As I write, it’s really cloudy and it has rained on and off a little bit. It’s dark and a bit gloomy looking too. And because we headed up the mountain to take the photos, I knew I’d need a warmer layer. The black belt added to the fairytale feel of the outfit, as did the evil black necklace – it does look a bit evil, doesn’t it? I think it’s fab! As well as the silver floral bracelet. Both of which were bought really cheaply from a local market stall.
A beautiful, mountain setting
But speaking of the fairytale themes, isn’t this the most incredible location? It reminded me of my YA books The Raven Saga. This could so easily be the mountain setting where many of my supernatural characters live! It’s amazing. We were driving around trying to find somewhere ideal for this ‘inspired by fairytales’ theme, when hubby suddenly pulled over and pointed to the most magical tree and we just knew it was perfect. We did get some odd looks from a few ramblers though – especially as I climbed up the rocks in my fancy frock!! The things we do for the blog, eh?!
All in all, I wanted to produce a fairytale look that could easily be worn to a special occasion by pretty much anyone. A look that would appeal to those that love a little darkness in their lives 😉 Personally, I’ve always been a little bit of a goth. I always adored wearing dark colours and I love nothing more than to read dark, supernatural urban fantasy stories set in settings like these. To me, this was a fairytale, not just inspired by fairytales 🙂
The Fab 40s gals
Let’s see what the other gals of the Fab 40s wore for this ridiculously fun theme this month…
A Pocketful fo Polka Dots
Jennie from a Pocketful of Polka Dots was inspired by The Red Shoes. Do you know the story? It’s quite a dark tale – quite the opposite of how beautiful, light and colourful Jennie looks though! Personally, I just LOVE this photo of her in her fabulous red shoes and gorgeous polka dot yellow dress.
Dress – c/o Zaful
Earrings – c/o Zaful
Shoes – BCBG Max Azria
Sheela Goh
Sheela from Sheela Goh was, like me, inspired by the darkness found in many of the old fairytales. The Evil Queen, in particular. I must say, I thought the addition of the red apple was simply genius! And aren’t those strappy red heels gorgeous?!
Plaid Taffeta Bustier – L.A.M.B. (thrifted)
Velvet Shorts – H&M
Red Heels – Cicihot.com
Goth Bangle & Raven Skull Ring – Alchemy of England
Red Leather Cuff – c/o Unearthed on Etsy
Punk Choker – c/o ManicPanic NYC
Moonstone Ring – c/o Moonmagic.com
Ombre Sunnies – Poshmark
Lipstick – #2 MeloMELI c/o Beautytap.com
Red Apple – c/o husband via Randall’s
Kremb de la Kremb
As I mentioned previously, Annie of Kremb de la Kremb slightly misunderstood my theme and instead went for Tales of the Unexpected. However, I think this works well because she’s gone for something completely unexpected! As always, she looks incredible and her photo is bloody brilliant!
Curly Birdie Chirps
Mary of Curly Birdie Chirps has opted for a look inspired by Belle from Beauty and the beast and I don’t think she could look more cute! What an adorable outfit. And I must say, I really do like the yellow sandals with those socks!
Dress and Earrings – Ny and Company
Shoes – JCPenney
Bag – Amazon
Socks – Target
Living on Cloud Nine
And last, but certainly not least, is my beautiful blogging pal, Andrea from Living on Cloud Nine who looks absolutely spectacular in this stunning pale blue dress which was clearly made for her. Inspired by the likes of Cinderella, Andrea is an absolute vision in the forest!
Dress – Wayf from Nordstrom
Necklace – Amazon
Earrings – Nickel and Suede
Shoes – Sam Edelman
What do you think of our fairytale-inspired looks? Would you consider fairytales when getting dressed? Do you ever think of fun themes and then get dressed accordingly? If not, I’d highly recommend it. This was the most fun I’ve had getting dressed in ages lol!!
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