Cosmic City, or What Animal Are You

It's been a while since I posted my outfit - and it's been a while since I dressed up. The flu or whatever Justin and I caught is such a persistent bug, it's been two weeks now and we feel almost normal, but still cough. But after staying in bed for many days and loosing interest in pretty much everything we love (food, fashion, writing, etc), as Justin mentioned, normal feels kinda ecstatic!

These photos were taken on January 25. We had a couple of gorgeous days here (once temperature went up to 67 F). We took my parents for a nice walk in Seattle Center, short monorail ride towards downtown, leisurely stroll to Pike Place Market and then again monorail ride back to Seattle Center. On a day like this, Seattle is completely irresistible! I do enjoy visiting the city once in a while, and Seattle is very unusual for a big city - very friendly and warm, you'll feel at home there even as a first time visitor.

The most famous of city landmarks, the Space Needle, was built for the World's Fair in 1962. The construction is fairly simple, but attractive, fun and very recognizable. Can you guess what's on the right picture? If yes, great! You have vivid imagination (or good knowledge ,which is great too)! If no, don't worry - I'll tell you later in this post. 

Seattle has some fascinating examples of futuristic architecture (I use the term loosely), one of which is Experience Music Project - museum of sci-fi, rock music and pop-culture (I can't believe that we have not visited it yet). The organic shapes of this building blows my mind!

On the left, another landmark, a giant industrial sculpture Olympic Iliad (1984) by Alexander Liberman, who is a fascinating figure himself, both successful artist and businessman - a Russian immigrant who might also be known to many Russians as husband of Tatyana Yakovleva, a famous Russian beauty, addressee of a couple of love poems by Mayakovsky (who was the greatest Russian futuristic poet, by the way).

While Papa and Justin enjoyed a sunny walk through Seattle Center, admiring the International Fountain (built, just as the Space Needle, in 1962), Mama and I visited the absolutely gorgeous Chihuly Garden and Glass which was opened not very long ago, within two or three years as I recall. You probably all heard of this glass genius who revolutionized (in the most beautiful and peaceful way) the art of making glass. He is Tacoma born and raised, and still lives in his hometown, and of course living only 20 minutes away from downtown Tacoma, we have visited his exhibitions numerous times. If you ever have a chance, please stop by Tacoma Museum of Glass - it's one of my favorite. Tacoma Art Museum also has Chihuly's glass on a permanent exhibit. You can see his sculptures outside as well - in downtown Tacoma. But Garden and Glass in Seattle is something very special, and I heartily recommend you to visit.

Among other things, I admire the art of museum display - breathtaking!

So those yellow and red sculptures, as you probably guessed by now, are a part of Chihuly's collection - whimsical gigantic glass flowers grown in the midst of this futuristically cosmic, funky sci-fi-ish part of the city.

The dress struck me at first as fantastic leopard, but when you look closer, you see peacock feathers (of course colors are a clue too). So at the end, I don't know what animal it is, but I love it! It's very comfortable to wear (basically a long T-shirt) and well, no doubts quite noticeable too. If you're feeling visible, then that's your number. I don't even remember when I was last openly complimented by men in America - in my festival years perhaps? In general, from my personal experience, men are pretty reserved here. But that day I was complimented by total strangers a couple of times, which took me totally by surprise. I do not dress to be noticed and gather compliments, but I think it's pretty universal that if intentions are pure and the words are beautiful and sincere, anyone would like to hear that, both men and women, in blogs or on streets. I'm for being a little more down to earth.

And I worried about being overdressed! Ha! Do you know this guy? I kinda know of him. A little bit. But if you ask me what's his name, I won't be able to answer. Justin says, I need to learn American culture. I just thought he was cute. And hey, he called me a princess - who wouldn't like that and what else do I need? We also saw a couple in beautiful bright costumes of Captain America and Wonder Woman. Definitely no fear of being overdressed when you meet people like that on city streets.

Waiting for monorail... trying to get a picture... while Justin is taking a picture of me taking a picture. :)

That's about it for now. I can't wait to dress up and go somewhere, and photograph, and post again. This weekend perhaps? I certainly hope so. For a dessert today, flowers which dance at night! We haven't see that. Apparently, they are on solar batteries. I can see another trip to Seattle, after dusk some time. 

Dress, glasses and jewelry - Chico's

Coat - Ashley Stewart

Purse - B Makowsky (almost Mayakovsky)

Boots - Born

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