Sunday, May 25, 2014

Style as Expression of You, Not You as Expression of Style


Oddly enough, I first started learning about pattern mixing, layering and all that stuff from interior decorating books and magazines (one of my passions for years). You probably know that I grew up in one of the coldest places on earth - Siberia, and back then (up till I was in my late 20s when I immigrated to a warmer climate) dressing in layering was what we did for survival, not for fashion. We did not call it "layering" though. It was as simple as put on an outfit (a skirt+top or a dress in most of occasions), and that was an outfit, and then, on the top of the outfit or as an addition to an outfit, you put layers and layers for warmth:
- tights
- something we call рейтузы in Russian (they would be made of wool or acrylic, or a mix)
- sometimes also legwarmers
- sometimes a few layers of one or each


Plus, of course, there would be
- a vest
- a cardigan
-a sweater
-a blazer
- a coat or fur coat


And obviously
- a scarf
- a hat (fur hat in Winter)

And don't forget about wool socks and wool mittens (again, sometimes two pairs at once for warmth).

Winter in Russia bites. Winter in Siberia bites even harder. So you just keep layering things until it is bearable to walk outside, to wait for a bus, to sit in the bus (or in Soviet times, to stand in a bus because there were not enough buses and almost no chance to sit if you are not going to fight for it - and I never was a fighter, not even for things in life much bigger than a seat in a bus) for an hour or longer to get to your school or office. 


We just layered stuff, but I never heard that someone would call it that.
When I started reading interior books, I discovered that you can mix any patterns as long as they have at least one color in common. Also, as a dive-in-and-see-where-it-takes-ya kind of person, I learned from my own experience that you don't need to know why you are attracted to this or that particular piece of furniture or accessory - just buy it and it all somehow will mix together beautifully at the end. Because all things we love mix beautifully and naturally, in unexpected and fresh ways - and that is what makes our style OURS. 


I wish that realization came to me a little earlier about clothing too. Of course, most of my old clothing would be pretty useless now since it simply doesn't fit anymore. But I am glad that I brought some beloved pieces with me from Russia and I have no plans separating with them. They will be there - not even with the hope that my daughter (or granddaughter if I'll have one) will appreciate and wear them. No. They are there just for me. Just because I love them. Some of them are made by these very hands which right now are stringing the words together in sentences, and sentences in a text, and texts in a blog. (Have you ever thought that the blog is a new form of literature, a brand new genre, with a mix of features traditionally belong to such genres as diary, journal, epistolary novel, essay, short-shorts, etc? Have you ever thought that by writing a blog you've already been writing a book in a sense, and that the beauty of this particular genre is in its "in the moment" nature, alive, flowing, unfinished? In some ways, I appreciate blogs even more than I appreciate novels - and that's something, coming from a literature major.)


I don't think I mixed that many patterns at once in the same outfit before. It is something new to me - like so many things in this blog, I've done it for the first time in my life. Mixing patterns is something we think of as a current trend, but it is as old as the world itself. If you are familiar with the fantastic blog Local Fashion written by Olga Rani, you would notice that in every culture, with probably no exception at all, there are traditional costumes made of colorful pieces of fabric, with mixed patterns being almost a must! Look at a couple of Olga's posts here and here, for some exceptional examples. (Add beads, fur, mirror work, embroidery and some other fascinating details, and you'll get the idea where we borrowed the idea of mixing different textures in our current fashion.) I remember my grandmother, a simple farm woman, dressing up for a special occasion - it was always a floral country style dress made of cotton and a traditional floral Russian headscarf (platok) - always a mix of colors and patterns. I did not think much of babushka's outfits back then. How I wish to have this chance now to see how effortlessly she dresses up ... in a simple, organic, not thinky, not style-bloggy sort of way - just in a way that pleases her, playing with her very limited and mostly self-made wardrobe, pieces of which she held on to for many years.



I often say in my blog that I don't think much about my outfits. I like it when they come together effortlessly - sometimes more noteworthy than others, but I like it when they come together naturally. If I think of some perfect detail to emphasize the pattern of a piece of clothing I picked that day, that's fine. If I don't, that's fine too. There is always a chance to play it differently next time. Everything affects us - what's going on around and inside of us, the weather, the situations, the people. So why have a preconceived notion about the way to dress? I think we start owning our style when it comes together naturally and has a chance to mature. Because it's really not so difficult to figure out that blue goes with yellow, and green with red... What makes our style unique is what makes us unique - the process of discovering life and ourselves. The trials and errors we make. And that very particular feeling inside when it all clicks. That moment when you look in the mirror and what you see is you, and not the latest trends or the fabulous combination you've seen on another blogger. I like it when I see me in everything I do. 


Red-Orange-Brown outfit:

Tunic - thrifted (story in this post). Vest - Christopher and Banks (way old, taken from a bag full of ready to donate stuff). Pants - Chico's (last year). Flats - Attilio Giusti Leombruni (wow! what a name! Don't know anything about it, respect Italian shoemakers though; bought them on clearance at Nordstrom Rack, look for his stuff here). Crystal earrings from Russia (at least 15 years old). Birch bark ring made by my amazing brother Andrei (years ago, at least 8 or 9). Purse - B Makowsky (never a dull lining in those).

Blue outfit:

Everything denim by Chico's (jeans on clearance for only $20) - my first ever all'denim outfit. 
Top thrifted (story here). Shoes - as above.

PS - title based on a comment by Justin. :)

Linking up with the wonderful
Anne of Spy Girl for 52 Pick-Me-UP: Pattern Max
and
Bella's Secondhand First (both blouses are thrifted) - cool memories of 90s
Come over to join the fun!


40 comments:

  1. I could have written the first paragraph , you have captured my thoughts exactly! People are always telling me my style is unique, and I think how sad that not everyone's style is unique. I think in this case my Aspergers is a blessing, because I easily follow my own drum, not feeling I have to follow the crowd.
    Well done once again Natalia, for hitting the nail on the head!

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    1. I totally understand what you mean, Jack! It's a wonderful feeling to read someone's writing thinking that you could write it yourself. Glad that we met! xxx

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  2. Ok it wasn't the first paragraph, I must be away with the fairies! I didn't live in Siberia! But the bit about our own style developing. And forgot to say I love both outfits, but my favourite is the brown one :-)

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  3. Allo Natalia!

    Sorry i don't comment much these days - I do a bit every day, challenging a bit myself
    I'm all for pattern mixing and layering especially in winters, i know we have brutal winters here
    You did an excellent job mixing all your wonderul pieces

    Take care

    Big hugs

    Arianexo

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    1. So good to hear from you, Ariane! I really appreciate your commenting, but please no apologies, don't push yourself - just have plenty of rest! We all want to see you full of energy. Hugs! xxxx

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  4. I love your pattern mixing, I will have to remember your tip - mix any patterns as long as they have at least one color in common. - and have a go myself one day. Thank you for so many ideas xx

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    1. You are so welcome! I love sharing what I learn as I go... Another tip is to mix patterns of different scales. :) xxx

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  5. Cute outfits! Love your wests and floral blouse. I'm not so much into layering -- it's pretty warm here in Houston. (Я тоже выросла в Сибири, в Кемерово) :))

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  6. I love your pattern mixing and your layering, you look so confident and at ease with yourself. That retro print tunic is glorious and that cool denim waistcoat already looks like its going to be a firm favourite.
    I do enjoy it when Olga features the traditional dress. There's something so joyful about how people wear all manner of textures and patterns, something us Westerners find tricky to emulate.
    Those Siberian winters must have been dreadful! xxxxx

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    1. You know what was funny? I asked my daughter if she liked the two (top and pants, without the vest) together. And she thought it was too much pattern. To which I said, "But I like too much pattern!" :))) I can't believe this conversation, because it used to be reversed. :) xxx

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  7. I admire you for your bravery in pattern mixing. Something that I have yet to really delve into. And I admire you for making such a huge move from Siberia to the USA. I would be terrified to make such a leap. Though I dream about living in France. I always love to see what colors you're wearing. Your selections always play with your colouring to absolute perfection.

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    1. Such dear dear words, Glenda! You really touched me. You are a dreamer yourself! A fisherman sees a fisherman from far away, as we say. I wish your dreams of France come true!! xxx

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  8. These outfits are so amazing and fantastic and gorgeous there aren't enough adjectives for me to use! You look so happy and so you! I don't know what temperatures are like in Siberia, I've never googled it, but I did live in northern BC for awhile where winter temperatures were frequently around -40 which is certainly much colder than the winter temperatures of 10 that I am used to here. Sorry those temps are in Celsius.
    You are so right about other cultures mixing patterns and prints and people having done this for centuries. I think the pattern mixing phobia and the shift to neutrals is quite a recent western thing. I'd love to know more about the psychology behind it. I am guessing we can blame it on the protestant religions, which so much favoured things that were humble.
    Great post!
    xoxo

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    1. Shawna! You made me smile! :)

      I had no idea that northern BC has such extreme winters! Yes, it's very much like where I am from. And we use Celsius, so I'm good there.

      I think you are right - that's a great insight about why we are so neutral-oriented bunch these days. In general, if you think of it, colors, festivities, lights... it all comes from pagan times. Some of it even sort of become a prerogative of churches (look at vividly decorated Orthodox churches for example). Folks are tought to be humble and unseen...

      Love xxx

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  9. Well said Natalia! I love pattern mixing and I am happy to see you sporting pretty patterns here. I always say that my style is an extension of my personality and I love when others see theirs the same way. Have a wonderful Memorial Day!
    xo
    Carelia
    Mysmallwardrobe.com

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    1. You are a master of pattern mixing and bright colors, Carelia! And yes, it does tell a lot about your colorful and complex personality with lots of love of life! xxxx

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  10. Such joyful pattern mixing; I love to see you experimenting, having fun, being creative! I agree, I like to look in the mirror and see ME, wearing what I want and love, not some passing fad or trend, or a carbon copy of someone else. Where's the originality, the personality in that?
    I love both the tops you are wearing here, and as always, it's the little touches, the jewellery and the nail varnish, that make these looks so special. and so YOU.
    I think that writing my blog is a creative outlet for me - I am not very good at sustaining narrative, and don't have the skills for poetry, but I like the format of a blog. It encourages me to articulate my thoughts in a concise way, not to be too verbose, and I hope I have developed a style that sounds very much as I do when I speak. I think your blog is the same; I can imagine how you would talk face-to-face from the style of your writing, and achieving that level of ease and naturalness of expression is more of a skill than it seems.
    Ooh, Siberian winters sound very hard! xxx

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    1. I looooove reading your blog, Curtise! Love the mixture of life stories, memories, observations, thoughts, architecture, travels, and of course your happy colorful feminine outfits! I think our blogs are a little similar that way. It's the genuine voice is what makes blogs a piece of literature. Much love xxx

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  11. Such pattern fabulous brave pattern mixing! There is no doubt that this reflects a person with a strong character that knows her own tastes.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Suzanne, thank you! There is a character behind it, no doubt. :) xxxx

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  12. $20 jeans is a great deal. I love how you mixed the print top with the denim vest and jeans, great look

    Sonya
    Saving Everyday With Sonya K

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  13. Gorgeous pattern-mixing! I love hearing about the cold in Siberia - so interesting! I also like how you've described blogging as like writing a novel - so very true. I've been doing mine for over 6 years, and it feels like so much in my life has changed in that time.

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    1. So glad that you liked it, Sheila! I always admire your outfits. xx

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  14. Though in Belarus we don't have that harsh winters as in Siberia but I remember a few when the temperature dropped below minus 30. And honestly, I hated to wear all those numerous layers and a fur coat, and a furry cap. Felt myself like a bear, big and clumsy.
    Love your print mixing here. Both variants are pretty and interesting though the orange-brown one is more brave and provocative in a way. The colour combination is just perfect and as always the accessories give that special "you" touch to the outfits. And thank you for mentioning my blog in this wonderful post.

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    1. Oh I didn't like it either, Olga! Especially that it lasts sooooooo long in Siberia. I much prefer the mild climate of the Pacific Northwest!

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  15. loooove your pattern mixing!!!
    i learned that lesson from the oriental immigrants in berlin. and from studying folk costumes from around the world. i made the same experience like you - just buy (or take) things/clothes you really love - then all will come together in the end!
    and yes - blogging is a new kind of literature - if it´s well made like your blog!
    i can relate to your "sibirian dressing" - in our south east corner of germany it can be easy under -15°C at day - thank goodness not the whole winter. i learned to not wear something cotton, only wool, silk or polyester(but i don´t like poly) and of cause fur.
    thank you for the salad recipe! we call the plant bear leak - bärlauch. it grows wild in the wood and in my garden.

    (i´m just back from a week in venice - so i have a lot to catch up...)
    hugs!
    xxxx

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    1. Yes, just by looking at the international crowd one can learn so much! It's interesting that Asian women (Korean, Chinese...) mix patterns intuitively in their modern outfits. They probably don't even think of that. :)

      It's better if your winter doesn't last that long, and not always brutal. Than it can be fun. :) Hugs! xxxxx

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  16. Dear lady, I would like to express in my poor language how much I like your post, your so wise ideas and your so fabulous way to express and share them. Love how you explain that our style develops naturally and makes us be Ourselves in a prettier way!!, love how you tell us about your life and experiences, love how your own style is unique, love how you share that genuine sensation when everything mixes naturally to obtain something it's You!
    So many things to enjoy about your post!!! Obviously, there're also your pretty outfits, lovely orange shades mixing so prettily!, and lovely vests over shirts, this is a really inspiring idea!!
    I lived for seven years in the south of my country, where temperatures rise over 30-35ºC at least five months a year. It was shocking and I needed to adapt my style to no-layered outfits. It was a real challenge!. Now I live in my beloved La Rioja, a northern region of the country, and enjoy a warm yet not suffocating climate, it's way better for my style!
    (sorry for a so looooong comment!)
    besos

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    1. I am sooo deeply touched by your comment - please do leave me long comments whenever you want to share, I really appreciate those! :)

      I am more of a mild climate dresser myself - layers, but not crazy thick layers for warmth. And I am totally with you on hot weather - it's challenging for me. We have pretty mild summers here too! I learn SO MUCH from your color and pattern mixing! xxxx

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  17. The Siberian winters sound truly freezing, of course dressing to the climate is a necessity, I can't imagine how cold it actually was though! your layering is always wonderful, I adore the way you mix pattern and texture, it adds so much to your outfits and makes them 'you', it's your style - as much as I love pattern mixes, it took me a while to realise they are not 'me' (which is a shame!!) we are all unique in our approach to dressing, and thank goodness for that! it's so wonderful to see us all express ourselves in our own personal style - I adore blogs too, so intimate and personal, it really feels like we are 'talking' x x x

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    1. I so agree with you - we are all unique! And we also are ever changing, and so is our style. And it's such a fun journey wich I am so happy to share with sweet, fun and creative ladies such as you, Sandra!! xxxxx

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  18. I can't imagine what winter would be like in Siberia. It doesn't snow where I live, and well, I've never really seen snow so I can't even comprehend! Layering up for warmth and ultimately survival. I can understand why "style" comes last really. When it's that much of a necessity looking "stylish" would be thrown out the window. I know it would for me. I wonder if you return would you try to incorporate some "style" to all those layers? I mean living in such a warmer climate and all, I wonder what you'd do hehehe! I love your sense of style and confidence, mixing prints and colours so beautifully. You've got it down to an art form, a beautiful art form

    SDMxx
    www.daringcoco.com

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment! Art form - ohhh I love to hear that! :)

      Partly I wrote the post following this one as answering your question, style definitely doesn't know climate zones. Girls love being stylish everywhere, in the hottest or coldest climates on earth. :) xxx

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  19. Love your pattern mixing Natalia and you have the confidence to rock it. Genius!!!!

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  20. One of your best outfits brilliantly put together. I discovered the term layers via blogging but I've been doing it all along. I did a lot of pattern mixing ,too. But because I blog frequently and practice makes perfect I feel very confident about both now and more often than not I experience some kind of effortless style. I usually take less than 3 min to put an outfit together ,just grab 2 or3 pieces and see what they look like. I know I'm beggining to have my own style when I meet people they haven't seen me for 2or3 years and they tell me how much better I look now. Thank you for your insightful post.

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    1. See? You know exactly what I mean! 2 or 3 minutes to put an outfit together- that's my kind of girl! :) xxxx

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  21. Chicago IS cold... and windy... so I've heard... :) There are definitely different levels of cold...

    That's an insightful comment, Marlen, thank you! I too love it how different areas of our interests influence each other (I can see how style influences my writing by the way...). That creates the unique person which is you. :) xxx

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