Shhh! Guys, please don't tell anybody, but I do wear skinnies sometimes.
Some might find it daring, to wear a bright colored skinnies for a 40 year old woman who, shall we call it, a little bit overweight. But I decided to give them a try last Summer, and I came back to wear them some more this Spring. Not to be daring exactly, but as I started paying attention to fashion and style again, it was like learning a new language. I remember this feeling when you start understanding something which mainly has existed as white noise in your world before. Modern lines, including skinny jeans, were this sort of white noise for me up till last Summer when I decided to learn and understand this "white noise". I have to say it pays off. I like the youthful, energized, modern vibe skinnies have. And sometimes, this is exactly how I want to feel - youthful, energized and modern.
But please don't tell anyone you saw me in skinnies, so they won't send a fashion police squad after me. Promise?
I have to say that when I combined the green skinnies with magenta flats and the nude lace jacket, I really liked the reflection in the mirror. But now when I look at photos, I realize that I like the idea of this jacket much more than reality. Does it happen to you? I always loved the idea of a lace blazer, but this one doesn't hang right on me, does it? Or that is exactly what it does - hangs on me in a baggy sort of way. I tried it a few times now, and even though I still love the idea, I am not sure it works for me. What do you think? (You can see my other styling of this lace jacket here and here.)
I can safely say that just like bright green skinnies (or any skinnies, really), I don't think I've ever owned a pair of pink shoes. (A lot of what I show you here is new to me - I am trying new ways practically every day for about a year now.) When I saw this pair of suede magenta flats at the Nordstrom Rack recently, I knew I would absolutely love wearing them this Spring. When I glance at them as I walk or drive, they make me instantly happy. Such a fun and energizing color!
This little friend always travels with us in the car wherever we go. His name is Krotik or Krot (Krtek in Czech, or Mole in English), and he is practically a family member. There was a time when little Anya watched the famous Czech cartoons endlessly, and I will admit I did too! (Just as most children of my age in Russia and many Central European countries, I grew up with these charming, funny, kind, helpful and super creative characters.) Even Justin used to say, "Everybody needs some Krotik time" while he would snuggle up with us on the couch.
Here are a couple of links to some of my favorite of these cutest, very artistically done cartoons. I know you love it when I share something from my part of the world, so here you are - enjoy! I bet you'll find yourself humming Krotik's tune sooner than you know it! No worries - you will not need any Russian or Czech language skills to understand. Only the very first cartoon of the series used words, the rest of them are wordless, therefore international. Notice the very talented music score and all sort of cute voice noises though. Have a quality Krotik time! :)
The next cartoon of the series will start automatically as you finish the one I've linked to. Much like my outfit today, the subjects of the cartoons sometimes are a bit daring, like Giving Birth or The Future. Apparently, the creator of Krotik, gifted Zdenek Miler, passed away just recently at 90 years old. A long and colorful life he had!
You probably guessed why I brought Krotik with me this time. Of course - look at both his and my outfits! We're practically identical twins!
And to conclude this post, here is a close up of my colorful necklace too. All photo, as always, by Justin.
Lace blazer and skinnies - Chico's. Sweater and camisole - Lane Bryant. Shoes - Me Too. Necklace- Talbots. Purse by Nicole Lee. Krtek - a famous cartoon character by the Czeck artist Zdenek Miler
A Note from Justin:
I just wanted to quickly apologize to Natasha and the readers for the quality of today's pictures. It has been many months since we shot outside in full overhead sun, and I am out of practice evaluating what the images look like on a view-screen that itself is in full sun. Additionally, Natasha's new computer won't run our old version of Photoshop, so we're having to learn a new photo-editing program, so bear with us while we get the hang of the new controls.
All the best!
Justin
What great colours! I too have come late to skinnies-got my first pair only this autumn. I would love some floral ones but haven't found any in my size yet. Love the pink shoes too! I really like that lace jacket and it's exactly the kind of thing I would be attracted to in the store. I think I know what isn't working. It think it's the colour. It sort of disappears on you as though it matches your skin tone and it's a very soft neutral that might work better with soft earth tones rather than brights.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get anything from the links so I went to youtube to watch some krotik. Very cute! I watched one where Mole and Mouse were going to the disco and got all dressed up but had a car accident. Then Mole taught the little frog how to dross a street safely so as not to get hurt or cause any more accidents. The music is lovely and cheerful. What a sweet little cartoon. Thanks for sharing it! Tell Justin that even less than his best photography can't diminish your radiance.
I have to say it is NOT my favorite color. But sometimes, as an experiment, I wear what's not my favorite, providing it has other features I enjoy - like the texture in this case. Good idea to combine it with earthy tones! To be honest, I think it will go with pretty much any colors since it is such a basic neutral - practically, color of our skin. I agree thought that it is best with other colors close to my face. And I am not happy with the fit of the jacket. It's not structured and not flowy enough. So it's in a maybe pile for me for now. :)
DeleteI am so glad that you googled Krotik! Hm, I wonder why links didn't work. I tried them again, and they seem to work fine. Anyway, thank you for searching for this cute cartoon, it's really so very soulful - love it and happy that you enjoyed it too! Hugses!
No way! Mole was on British TV as a child, I loved it! I haven't seen a clip for over 40 years. Thanks for the memories.
ReplyDeleteYou should totally wear skinnies and those boring, beige-clad fashion police can go take a hike. You always look gorgeous and today is no exception. If I saw you in the street I'd definitely want to be your friend! xxx
WOW, I had no idea Krotik made it to England! How cool is that!! You are such a sweetheart, Vix. Thank you for your compliments!! I consider us already friends. Hugs!
DeleteAs always, one shouldn't worry about what the fashion police say! If you want to wear skinnies, wear them, and choose a fabulous colour like bright green! I love the green and fuchsia together, that is an inspired combination. I think Shawna might be right about the jacket being a very similar colour to your skin tone, but when I checked out your previous outfits, I love how you wore it belted over that beautiful maxi dress, so I don't think it is a lost cause. Oh, and your necklace and ring are exquisite.
ReplyDeleteI went to Prague a few years ago and brought a little Krotik back for Nina! Just a classic black/grey version, but I couldn't resist his cheeky little face. I will have to find him (among all the many, many cuddly toys she has...) and show her this post.
Btw, can I just ask - do you prefer Natalia or Natasha, or is either fine? I know that since we are a family with multiple names for each other, it shouldn't be a surprise if anyone else uses more than one! And if they are interchangeable, is that a Russian thing? If I sound stupid, I'm sorry, but I am really interested! xxxx
Oh please show me your Krotik! And I hope Nina loves the cartoons too! :)
DeleteYou are both right, it is kind of blah color for my complexion and never was my fave, though I love the idea of this particular lace jacket. (Maybe I should color it?) And the belted version works, I agree!
I am glad that you are interested about names! It's one of my favorite topics as a linguist... I can write a whole post about it, you inspire me to do that. :) In short, Natalia is a formal name (in my documents etc), and Natasha is a friendly/short form of the same name. It would be like Michael vs Mike, Robert vs Bob, Anna vs Annie... I know that in the US people stick to one form of their names, but for Russians they are really interchangeable most of the times. There are formal situations when I would be called only Natalia (plus my patronymic name). Or if my grandma gets grumpy at me, she could call me by my full name then. In all other cases, it is Natasha, Natashka, Natashenka, Tasha, Tashenka, Natulya, Natka, Natalka and a bazillion of other forms of my name with Natasha being a basic one. Russians can express their feelings toward the person by calling a particular form of their name. Does it make any sense? I really can go on and on about it. Love names!! You made me happy by asking! :)
I'm butting in because I was interested in that too. Here in North America, as you pointed out with Michael/Mike people do often use a shortened form of their name, though not all names have a shortened form. A girl named Natasha would likely also go by Tasha, especially with close friends. I know of one whose friends call her Tash. When our mothers are scolding us they often use our first and middles names. I was addressed as Shawna Catherine a few times in my childhood. I knew I was in trouble. I love how many variations of a name Russians have. It's a wonderful way to express affection. I love names too. My parents have a dictionary that has a small index of given names in the back. When I was a little girl I used to read through it over and over. I thank Natalia is beautiful. My favourite narcissus is called Thalia.
DeleteNames are completely fascinating, I too loved such dictionary as a young girl. I think I knew all the names in it by heart (Russians don't have too many names). Yes, I understand that your moms and grandmas also used similar methods, that's kind of fun to know. :) Some things are so universal... like the tone of voice, some gestures...
DeleteBut back to names. Russian is a different type of language compared to English. If I am not mistaken, they are called flectual languages (Slavic languages in general fall into this category) vs. analytical languages (English and probably all Germanic languages, but don't quite me on that since it was too many years ago when I studied that). Flectual languages have more flexibility built in the words themselves, as the form of words change depending on many things (position in the sentence, connection with other words, meaning etc). We can create many forms of the same word to be expressive. Russian is a very expressive language, very emotional, very feminine even... I mean the grammar itself.
My ex husband studied languages at university and although he majored in German he took a bit of Russian and really loved it. That's so interesting about the flectual languages. Thanks for telling me. :-)
DeleteYou are wonderfullllllllllllll in pink and green.
ReplyDeleteWho cares about the fashion police, you are FANTASTICCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Thank you, dear Sacramento, you are wonderful yourself!! :)
DeleteThe fashion police should be locked up! let's have colour, creativity, independence and choice! I love your outfit, and I love the magenta and green combinations which are also reflected in your wonderful necklace and ring, the skinnie jeans look fabulous on you, you're gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI remember Mole!!! oh my goodness! I think the photo's are great x x x
Thank you so much, Sandra! I am up for all these things - creativity, color, independence and choice are all great! Plus just simple fun! :)
DeleteI was totally surprised to learn that you are familiar with Krotik! I knew that he made it to the outer space with one of American astronauts, but had no idea he visited the Queen, Vix, Curtise and Sandra!! :)
Looking lovely Natalia. Thanks for visiting by blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elsie! Your blog is lovely, very unique, just like you! :)
DeleteI can't believe you have the same pants as me. I bought them 2 years ago when "bold coloured jeans" were "the thing". I haven't worn them and looking at you now I wonder why the heck not? Especially when paired with the magenta. It looks so full of life and energy.
ReplyDeleteI think that the blazer is like that because it isn't structured. I find wearing anything that is unstructured can add weight. I often belt blazers like that.
bisous
Suzanne
Oh please wear them, they are so comfortable amongst other things!
DeleteI agree with you - it is not a structured blazer which is a bit puzzling, but it works with a belt, I wore it that way with a maxi dress. I put it in a maybe pile for a while, see where it goes. :)
I have some pants like this too and was looking at them yesterday. I think you look great! I love that all out color especially the magenta shoes. Brilliant drawings on the cartoons, sounds like a great memory and association to childhood. I admire the skill it takes to do this work.
ReplyDeleteblue hue wonderland
Oh, maybe we can do Green Skinnies Week or something - both you and Suzanne have pants like this, that would be fun to see different styling! I love them because they are so comfy too.
DeleteI am really glad that you appreciate the drawings! It makes me happy to just look at the pictures, they are brilliant, and yes, I agree, it is a very special talent and skill set indeed. :)