Hello again and welcome to this month's style challenge. I'm over the moon to be given this opportunity to channel the fabulous style icon that is Iris Apfel. If you're not familiar with her then click this link to find her Instagram page. The flamboyant 100 year old is a legend in America for her work not only as a fashion model, but as an Interior Designer to the stars as well as to nine Presidents who entrusted her to remodel the White House. At the age of 96 Iris was the oldest woman to have a Barbie created in her image and at 97 the oldest model to be signed up by the global agency IMG. On the 31st of March H&M UK will be launching a new range of clothing (see here) created in collaboration with Iris that promises to be their most ornate and eclectic yet - I for one am on the mailing list for that exciting release! So, what did my style sisters make of this challenge?
Hilda chose this month's theme, lending an Irish slant with this glorious green outfit and an abundance of bangles and necklaces borrowed from her daughter. See more from her here.
Gail is channeling Iris perfectly in this pink and green ensemble - I've seen a photograph of her looking just like this! Catch up with Gail's story on Is This Mutton blog.
Inspired by Iris, Emma chose one of the icon's favourite colour combinations of red and turquoise to great effect. Read her back story on The Style Splash blog.
Beads, beads and more beads is how Jacqui has approached this month's challenge and hasn't she truly captured Iris's style? See how Jacqui tackled this on her blog Mummabstylish.
What fun I had putting this look together! My recent trip to the mainland enabled me to visit lots of charity shops to find necklaces to compliment this outfit. Iris, as Emma had observed too, showcases red and turquoise together often and that's what I wanted to emulate also. The shops were full of necklaces and I had the pick of beads and gemstones in all shades of turquoise and aqua. The red and white gingham trousers are by Zara, but purchased from TK Maxx at the bargain basement price of £8!
My rings too were charity shop finds from a while ago, creating that Iris Apfel more is more signature style. In fact, did I wear enough, I wonder? The rose gold watch is by Micheal Kors, a cruise purchase from long ago.
These white kitten heel boots were from New Look in the sale a few years ago, costing only £5 and have surprised me by lasting so well. The toes were getting a bit scuffed as pointed toes often do so I gave them a swipe with a white marker pen I found in the basket at work.
And right on cue, here came the photo-bomber of the day. Fiona and I had hoped to avoid the evening rush hour, but Andrew the Head Gardener had other ideas!
The rest of the outfit comprises of this fab ruffle shirt which I bought in TK Maxx a couple of years ago. My sunglasses are also quite old, from River Island.
I do hope that you've enjoyed this month's style challenge. And now I'm off to join the H&M queue for my very own piece of Iris Apfel clothing. I fear it'll be one of those sell-out events, but I'll be giving it my best shot!
Have a super week!
Anna x