Versatile

As soon as I saw this dress at the Lands' End web site, I was taken. It is the type of garment I would wear in pretty much any given period of my life - while studying at university in my teens and early 20s, later while working at a museum, a publishing house, and an advertising agency, and later still while staying at home raising my little one and taking care of my own small business (writing articles for a newspaper and poetry just for myself when the little one was asleep), and later yet while working as a community leader, storyteller and educator, and finally now when I spend my days writing, exploring and learning ... at any given point, if only I had a chance to find this dress, it would suit my taste and my personality. It has a vintage vibe about it which I adore (hello 1960s, my old time favorite). And I think it has this rare quality which I always treasure - a quiet beauty which stands out.

The dress is really well made and very versatile, you can accessorize it to your own liking, dress it up and down as they say, for a day at the office (or just writing at home, it is so comfortable), for a trip to IKEA or a fancy night out. It's a great foundation piece for layering - I see it with a turtleneck sweater for the upcoming winter months, or with a flirty pussybow blouse (I am yet to find one), with a cardigan or a chunky sweater, under a wool coat or, when the days are warmer, on its own, paired with flats or high heels, it is such a great piece, I think I'm going to live in it. 

You probably remember my glass jewelry which looks like a set, even though it is actually a couple of modern pieces from Chico's (last year) and vintage clip-on earrings which I found in a basket of $5 bijuterie pieces at an antique mall in South Tacoma. Like the dress, these accessories proved to be very versatile and able to elevate so many different outfits, from a simple classic turtleneck to an evening dress. It's really surprising to me though because when I was buying these pieces, I had no idea how to style them, I just fell for their beauty. But it's quite typical for me. I often go for what really strikes me, without planning what I am going to do with it. I noticed that whatever we love, find its place in our life. We don't have to know why we are drawn to a particular thing. We don't have to force it. It will fit naturally, because it belongs with us, and some part of us already knows it. Just follow your nose.

 Finally, the black ruana which I bought on clearance sale for about $35 I think (full price was over $100) two or three years ago. It is one of those poncho/wrap/kimono style of garments which are so trendy right now, but I think they are truly timeless, very easy to wear, cozy for a mild Autumn day and go with many things, from jeans to pencil skirts or dresses... again, versatile! 

Dress - Lands' End (current, also available in green'navy, in regular and plus sizes)

Tee, ruana, necklace and bracelet - Chico's (from past years)

Boots - Born

Vintage clip-on earrings

Fresh pixi cut by lovely Erica (and copper is my old time favorite when it comes to hair color)

Photos, as always, by Justin

Linking up with Visible Monday and 52 Pick-me-up - see you there.

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