Am I too old to dress like Laura Ingalls?

maxi skirt

Late summer heatwave…

I know, it’s not exactly a politically correct thing to say (especially in Finland, or Britain, and especially after such a cold and rainy summer), but I’m not a fan of hot weather… And to specify: I consider anything over 23ºC / 73.4ºF ‘uncomfortable’, and anything over 25ºC / 77ºF ‘unbearably hot’… The temperature was getting very close to the latter the day these photos were taken.

On a hot day my priority is first of all to protect my skin from the sun while staying somewhat comfortable. So, nothing too tight or clingy, only natural fibres and loose cuts. Enter the maxi skirt and a long-sleeved linen shirt. 

40+ summer fashion

Yeah… a maxi skirt… that might not be a good idea…

At 162 cm / 5ft3″ I’m short(ish). And my body type… let’s just say I’m built more like Marilyn than Audrey. That’s a nice way of saying I have a big bum. Not exactly the type of woman to rock a flowing maxi skirt, right?

40+ summer style

Do I look like I give a damn? 

It’s hot. Not the skirt, the temperature. There comes a time in this amateur fashionista’s life when style goes out of the window. Two times, in fact: when the temperature reaches ‘too-bloody-hot’ or ‘too-bloody-cold’ (let’s get back to that in winter, OK?)

tiered skirt

So, what’s a curvy girl supposed to do with a flowy maxi skirt, then? Prance around smiling, having her own Laura Ingalls moment, skipping around a meadow… Well, why not? There are worse ways to spend a hot day…

Cutler and Gross sunglasses

maxi skirt summer

I’m wearing:

skirt: Ralph Lauren / linen shirt: marks and Spencer / shoes: Geox (old) / sunglasses: Cutler and Gross / sun umbrella: James Smith & sons

What do you wear when the temperature gets ‘unbearable’?

Tiina

PS: What do you think of my new revamped blog design?

I have also reorganised a few of the static pages 

(check out the new and improved Bad Tourist and Life etc)

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33 Comments

  1. Shybiker
    17 August 2015 / 3:39 am

    What a pretty outfit. So Summery and sweet.

    • Tiina L
      17 August 2015 / 7:50 pm

      Thank you, Ally!

  2. Shawna McComber
    17 August 2015 / 6:44 am

    I am with you on the temperature issue. I like it around 21degrees but we've had a lot of the 25-30 range this summer. I think you are absolutely pulling off that maxi skirt, Ms Marilyn. And the frolicking also. Nicely done! Your blog looks great too.

    • Tiina L
      17 August 2015 / 7:51 pm

      Thanks, Shawna! Yes, it's been a bit too warm for my liking, but since it's late summer I suppose we'll get some cooler temperatures soon.

  3. Suzanne Carillo
    17 August 2015 / 12:57 pm

    I love this outfit! Also I think the skirt is very flattering. The whole thing makes me want to start singing, " The hills are alive…with the sound of music!" bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      17 August 2015 / 7:52 pm

      :)Yes, I guess it's a bit *Sound of Music', too…

  4. Marea Dotz
    17 August 2015 / 3:52 pm

    Yes, I thought it was more of a Sound of Music moment, too. But really, I think you're too hard on yourself. Both the outfit and the setting are very PRETTY (even tho I have a hunch you hate that word!)

    • Tiina L
      17 August 2015 / 7:53 pm

      Thanks, Marea. Well, pretty isn't really my thing… at least I need to toughen it up a bit.

  5. josep-maria badia
    17 August 2015 / 4:25 pm

    Beautiful look, the skirt is wonderful.

    • Tiina L
      17 August 2015 / 7:53 pm

      Thank you.

  6. Garaytreasures
    18 August 2015 / 1:35 am

    I love your reference to Laura Ingalls (memory lane here I come). Great summer look, that skirt with it's flowy style has to be comfortable in the heat. Looking lovely!I would love to invite you to my link up "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me" which goes LIVE every Tuesday at midnight. Every Tuesday I feature my favorite 5 fashionistas, and more. Hope you are able to stop by. Rachel xoGaray Treasures

    • Tiina L
      18 August 2015 / 8:38 am

      Thanks! Yes, the skirt is great in hot weather, very comfortable. And thank you so much for inviting me!

    • Garaytreasures
      20 August 2015 / 1:59 am

      You are welcome glad you could link up and come by, Rachel xoPlease stop by Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me link up hereGaray Treasures

  7. Natalia Lialina
    18 August 2015 / 5:23 am

    I also thought of The Sound of Music. 🙂 I think you look gorgeous – and sweet, yes, so better toughen it up if you don't want to be perceived as sweet I guess. 🙂 The first photo is fantastic! So happy and lighthearted. I was looking at RL site just a couple of days ago and was surprised that some of the new skirts look just like what I already have in my wardrobe. I don't like heat. I usually either stay at home under the AC, or go to places with AC, or go to the beach and swim on such days, that energizes me. Heat in the city is not my favorite thing at all… But yes, something simple, light, linen, thin cotton etc… no jewelry or very lightweight jewelry, and flip flops – that is my choice. And that is exactly why I don't feel inspired by summer fashion – it's just too simple, basically we rely on colors and patterns, but I also like layers etc. You understand it I think.

    • Tiina L
      18 August 2015 / 8:42 am

      Thanks, Natalia. Just bought this skirt, haven't had anything like it for ages. But it reminds me of skirts my mother and I had in the late 70's. Of course, those skirts were a bit shorter, midi skirts, but in the same tiered style.I agree on the jewellery: summer is the time for delicate, lightweight (= comfortable) jewellery. I find summer fashion less inspiring, too. But I'm more of an autumn person, anyway.

  8. Jill James
    18 August 2015 / 8:10 am

    At the moment I would trade some heat for cold , I know our Winters by yours are not really cold but I am over it. Now back to your Laura Ingalls moment , a sweet look on you , pretty without being too overly girlie. I love your last shot.

    • Tiina L
      18 August 2015 / 8:44 am

      Thanks, Jill. Yes, too much of anything, winter or summer is just… too much. I also get so fed up with winter, usually around March, and can't wait for the warmer weather to arrive (and for the snow to finally go, for good).

  9. Samantha Blair
    18 August 2015 / 9:41 am

    Hi Tilna,You are NEVER too old to wear anything!If you want to twirl in pink and have fun then go for it.Happiness and confidence is the best accessory.XXXSamanthaFake Fabulous

    • Tiina L
      19 August 2015 / 9:09 am

      Thanks, Samantha! Yes, Confidence is super important, whatever we wear. And if you love something, you will look gorgeous in it.

  10. Connie
    19 August 2015 / 3:05 am

    I love your new blog design. And I am with you. I do not love hot weather. Nordic all the way. And I live in Southern California where it is perpetual summer. How crazy is that? I love your prairie skirt. So fresh and elegant.

    • Tiina L
      19 August 2015 / 9:11 am

      Thanks, Connie! I just felt it was time for a little blog makeover… you, like with clothes: sometimes you just need a new style.

  11. Petite Silver Vixen
    19 August 2015 / 9:16 am

    Never to old for a Laura Ingalls moment. I'm shorter than you and I too struggle with maxi skirts but this one is gorgeous. And by the way, I do think the skirt is hot on you. In fact, this is one of my favourite outfits you've done – so there!

    • Tiina L
      20 August 2015 / 7:14 am

      Thanks, so sweet of you to say that. This skirt is a bit out of my comfort zone, and I don't quite know what to wear it with. But is is so great on a hot day…

  12. Jaymie Ashcraft
    20 August 2015 / 1:52 pm

    So cute! Would love you to join my Fridays Fashions link up. :)Jaymiewww.jaymieashcraft.com

    • Tiina L
      20 August 2015 / 8:19 pm

      Thanks, Jaymie! I will certainly check out your link-up on Friday.

  13. Grace Liang
    20 August 2015 / 6:42 pm

    Lol! You are such a funny girl! I really enjoy reading your post! I am ok with hot but I hate cold. 😉 I like your outfit! :)Take care and keep in touch!Please stop by today for Color and Grace Fashion link up!Gracehttp://colorandgrace.com 

    • Tiina L
      20 August 2015 / 8:20 pm

      Thanks, Grace! And thank you for inviting me to stop by your link-up!

  14. Alice Warren
    23 August 2015 / 1:13 am

    I think this skirt works very well on you! I am about an inch taller than you and wear maxi dresses/skirts all the time. I just love how easy and comfy they are.Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Alicewww.happinessatmidlife.com

    • Tiina L
      23 August 2015 / 7:23 pm

      Thanks, Alice! Maxi dresses are comfy, that's for sure… I only have one maxi dress, and this skirt.

  15. Dawn Lucy
    23 August 2015 / 5:16 am

    Hee … you're so funny … love your humor. And actually this outfit is totally adorable on you … soooo pretty! Thanks so much for being a part of Fun Fashion Friday!OXOXDawn Lucyhttp://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com

    • Tiina L
      23 August 2015 / 7:24 pm

      Thanks! I really like this skirt, must find more tops to go with it.

  16. Heather
    25 August 2015 / 12:59 am

    Ha! I say you are never too old for anything (except for hot pants… after 25, no more hot pants)… super cute and romantic look!XOwww.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com

    • Tiina L
      25 August 2015 / 9:28 am

      Thank you, Heather!

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