Freelance writer Glenda Harrison (49) lives in Southern California, and shares her thoughts on fashion and life over at So What to Twenty. Our 5’1″ blogger loves peplum tops, strapless dresses and flowy frocks. Her style is relaxed and polished with arty and dramatic touches. Glenda also likes drape, bright colours, statement belts and footwear, and she uses interesting jewellery to add extra personality to her impactful outfits.
“I believe my fashion taste is an extension of my overall style. The fashion part of Glenda isn’t a separate part of me, but a part of the total package that makes up Glenda’s style. To answer the question of whether or not my style has evolved, I’ll have to answer the question by saying that I, as a complete person have evolved in the past 5 years. The 40s have been very transformative years for me. I have become more in tune with myself and have discovered my value as a woman. I hope that my spirit translates through my writings and images on my blog. I want my readers to feel as if they know who I am without having had met me personally. My overall fashion aesthetic pretty much stays in tune with who I am as a person. I describe my style and my fashion sense as classic with a touch of bohemian and a bit of quirky. Yes, I love quality classics that stand the test of time, but I like to then combine a classic look with elements of bohemian and quirky to make the look less restraining, more interesting and mine. Since I’m a product of the 60s, that era seems to percolate through my veins. The bohemian spirit lives in me. I tell everyone that I think being a native Californian makes bohemian a part of my DNA. I always look for individuality. It could be the smallest detail, but if it’s unique and interesting, I tend to be quite attracted to it… that’s the quirky element.”
I call this look Casablanca Tomboy PI. The high-waisted wide leg trousers paired with flats are delightfully Katharine Hepburn-esque, while the cream trench adds Humprey Bogart flair. Tucking a fitted tee and belting the trousers creates waist definition and adds structure to the voluminous bottoms. The striped T-shirt gives this all neutrals outfit its playful vibe. The black and white are subtly picked up again in Glenda’s silver studded colour blocked Weejuns loafers. Cheeky fun. The midi trench is a lightweight fabric that collapses back onto the body, which helps temper the volume on our 5’1″ blogger. Silver jewellery and classic Ray-Bans finish off the look.
Glenda rocks a peplum top and sports them often. Here she’s picked one in a scuba material with two beautiful floral prints that strike me as a mix of an impressionist painting with a modern photographic print. The peplum section flows seamlessly into the flare of the full midi skirt, emphasizing the waistline and creating and elegant ladylike look. The top’s high neckline works well with Glenda’s super short ‘do and is the perfect canvas to showcase her large hoop earrings. Dainty sandals with thin double ankle straps echo the shine of the patent vintage clutch. Opting for a black bag and footwear allows the top to be the star of the show. A yellow cocktail ring adds arty spunk.
A Sporty Luxe look with a unique twist. The peplum waist and cut-out detail on the back of this sassy sweatshirt make for a very original piece. Glenda streamlines the volume of the extra roomy top by pairing it with rolled-at-the-ankle slim-fit jeans. Showcasing skin with the rolled sweater sleeves, open neckline and strappy sandals creates further structure. Grey with white always feels fresh for Summer. The sunny orange shoes and Missoni-esque chevron print wristlet add colourful punch. Our blogger has a knack for finding interesting jewellery, like this gold weighted ball pendant as the creative finishing touch.
Our blogger loves to sport strapless dresses, and this dramatic, Grecian-inspired flowy frock is a good one. With its billowy silhouette, asymmetric hemline, smocked bust and flouncy ruffles, this crisp white statement piece doesn’t need extra bells and whistles. The delicate necklace and watch, and small white clutch let the dress do all the talking, while the silver metallic lace-up sandals complement the Greek Goddess vibe.
When asked which Spring/Summer 2015 trends she is looking forward to sporting, Glenda said:
“I’ll always love a good gladiator inspired or tie-up sandal regardless if they’re trendy or not. I also love the cute little bohemian white dresses, and free-flowing Grecian dresses. Since I live in a warm climate, white is a staple in my wardrobe, as well as easy dressing. I recently wore an absolutely stunning, shocking yellow dress. When I wore this Grecian inspired dress I was reminded of the Valentino Spring/Summer 2015 show. That dress will be worn often.”
A loose-fit, dropped-waist peplum top that surrenders the waistline is a comfortable and breezy option for hot weather when you can’t stand feeling constricted by your clothing. Just like its waist-defining counterpart, this style works well over structured slim-fit bottoms. Glenda has a playful nautical vibe going on with the bright red jeans and blue and white stripes. The ruffled peplum hemline is feminine fun, the pointy toe silver ankle strap pumps further amp up the ladylike integrity. Small earrings and a silver bird lariat necklace, another great jewellery find, are the accessories of choice.
This graphic black and white outfit is proof that a long, flowing tunic can work on a petite frame. Glenda’s voluminous blouse is fitted on the shoulders and slightly shaped at the waist, which creates structure, before flaring out dramatically over leggings that streamline the look. The high-low assymetric hemline creates diagonal lines and outfit movement which adds extra structure. Sporting a low or high heel, like Glenda’s black strappy sandals, lengthens the legline. A vegan black crossbody that converts into a nifty little backpack is the perfect accompaniment to this arty eclectic look.
Which of these six outfits is your favourite look? Let us know in the comments, and have fun checking out the rest of Glenda’s outfits on her blog.
