You open your closet and... go blank.
The things that you have been choosing for yourself with joy and excitement, or at least with some form of curiosity or satisfaction, the things for which you were more than willing pay more or less good money (is there such a thing as bad money though?) because they spoke so loudly to you...
all those things keep silent. Nothing feels exciting. Nothing feels special. At least, not today, or this very moment when you need to dress and go. Everything feels wrong.
If it ever happens to you, what do you do?
Sometimes, I just try to fake it. From that choice, not my most favorite outfits are born.
Other times, I decide, fine, be like that, I'll just wear something simple and easy and forget all about it. From that choice, unmemorable outfits are born.
But when it happened last Saturday, I decided to hang in there and get to that thing inside of me which always seems to know what I need in that particular moment. I knew that "thing" was there, I just did not seem to find an easy way to connect with it last Saturday.
Then... ring... ring ring... at first teeny tiny voice... ring... ring ring... then louder, with more confidence... r i n g... r i n g r i n g... then even more pronounced, so I couldn't ignore it... RING... RING RING...
"Who's there?"
"Your Inspiration."
"Really!?"
I grabbed it and ran as fast I could!
The Inspiration came in the form of the olive green overalls (also shown here).
A simple T-shirt with overalls? Perhaps too basic...
What about an animal print coat as a layering piece? I found it in a thrift shop on Bainbridge last Summer - it was a hot sunny day, not many people tend to think coats on a day like that... neither do I, but when I see something that might fit and I generally like it, I try it on anyway... so I did, and it fit, and that was it!
I thought that high heels would elevate the working class girl outfit, and chunky jewelry is my frequent choice, so there I was... ready to go in just a couple of short minutes, comfortable and not overly dressed up (we were going food shopping and dropping off a chair to Goodwill), but happy, confident and... well... totally me!
Overalls - Ashley Stewart
T-shirt - Lane Bryant
Coat - thrifted ($11)
Boots - Aquatalia
Jewelry - Chico's, Lane Bryant
Linking up with beautiful Patti's Visible Monday (have you seen that GORGEOUS coat?)
***
"I have nothing to wear"... That's my mantra, more often than not. And my husband rolls his eyes as I pull out clothes and deem them all somehow deficient... And then there are days when I just pull out any old thing and just shrug, 'who cares what I'm wearing' (early morning work appointments come to mind). That happened today, in fact: just took the first thing I found, put it on, and left for work. Very uninspiring,mbut I was in a hurry to make the train, didn't sleep enough last night, it's rainy and grey and my hair will turn into a frizzy mess the moment I step outside, so I can't be bothered to make an effort. And that's ok. We all need to take a break from being fabulous and recharge our mojo sometimes. And some days are just blah... It's only a problem if all days are like that.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Sometimes it's just fine - if you don't even have inner energy to find your inspiration, then dress in what's comfortable. It's impossible to sparkle every single minute, we all need rest. But that day I actually really WANTED to find my inspiration! :)
DeleteI think this happens to everyone at some point or another. Usually some accessories will pump it up for me a bit. And for sure animal print jazzes up everything!! I love the details on that jacket too. The rolled sleeves, tabs, zipper, etc...What's limited for me are the shoes since I can only wear very supportive ones with arch supports.
ReplyDeleteLove these photos there in the sunset with Mt Rainier behind you.
Yes, animal print and jazzy jewelry (that frog ring will bring a smile to a face immediately). I also love the details on this jacket - the condition is perfect, the case is good (Children's Hospital charity shop I believe), and for the whole $11 bucks too. :) I'm with you on shoes, Joni - I only wear comfy shoes. These heels are the highest I wear, and they have a platform built in, so in reality they are not even that high. They are rather comfy, though I wouldn't want to spend the whole day on heels.
Deleteof cause i have this moments. and i know why - i don´t feel well inside. i feel like staying in bed this day will be the best. but thankfully i have some road tested outfits - suits, dresses, skirt&top combos that almost feel like suits or dresses. my uniform. and because i go accessory-less most of the days anyway..... i can almost dress in the dark if i have to. and like my hubby says: even in my housedress i look more elegant then most of the crowd.
ReplyDelete;-P
your outfit reminds me of some 80´s hollywood movies in which a chic, smart and pretty citygirl with a doctors grade in biologie/anthroplogie/archeologie explores the jungles in an outfit like yours - to find a new species/unknown tribe/big treasure and the love of her life - the real adventure man :-) :-) :-)
love!!!!!!! xxxxxx
Yes, I always think that you look wonderfully interesting, unique and stylish even when you do gardening work! And that's amazing!!!
DeleteThank you! You got it! That's exactly what I was thinking - the 80s. And yes, both Justin and I are very attracted to safari/military style clothing - we are explorers at heart, and the sense of adventure is one of things that attract both of us to such clothing.
On days like that I go to my blog and find an old outfit I like. ( I knew blogging would be good for something! LOL)
ReplyDeleteI actually find these winter months very depressing and I'm not inspired to create wonderful outfits when it is -30 C outside. I feel like hiding underneath my blankets all day instead.
Love the overalls.
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
I feel for you, Suzanne! -30 C is just plain cruel. You need to move out here and enjoy the mild and beautiful "winter" again (I know you used to live in such climate)...
DeleteDressing-block, we all get it. I love this look, starting with the ring! and all the way to the glorious coat. Thanks for sharing it all with Vis Monday, xox.
ReplyDeleteWhen in doubt - there is always my trusted froggy! :) Thanks, Patti!
DeleteYep, we all get those where's-the-inspiration? days. Like Beate, I tend to think it's a sign of feeling a little out of sorts, not quite right in myself... My remedy is to choose old favourites, a dress which I always feel good in, comfortable boots, colourful tights, and that usually does the trick.
ReplyDeleteYou look comfortable and cool, Natalia, the orange accents and leopard print bring the outfit to life. And the light in these photos is gorgeous. As are you!
Yes, it's a magic light - a couple of hours before sunset are the most magical for photos...
DeleteIt's very interesting and somewhat comforting to read your "recipe" for uninspired days, thank you for sharing!!
Those are my PMT days, I've been the same all week. Nothing's quite right. I do like Suzanne and go through previous blog posts. She's right, blogging's great for that!
ReplyDeleteLove the dungarees with your gorgeous jewellery and that cool jacket and the light and background is stunning. xxx
How interesting that both you and Suzanne have the same method! I think some day, I might start using it too - I've been thinking along these lines. But so far, it's still the most exciting to create from scratch, even if it fails! :)
DeleteYes, what you described happens to me. Usually when I really not in the mood for getting dressed. Then, of course, nothing seems suitable but a pair of cozy pajamas. I need a clear mind when I'm dressing for a particular event or occasion. I can't imagine you would run into this scenario often. You have such a vibrant wardrobe with such eclectic and interesting pieces. I guess it happens to the best of us. As usual, your outfit is indeed you...rich and colorful, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Glenda! It's therapeutic to learn that other amazingly talented women like yourself, for whom I have great respect and admiration, also run into such blocks from time to time... and we can share and learn from each other. I am so thankful for that!
DeleteNatalia,
ReplyDeleteOh I a m so drawn to all of this!
Love the color of the overalls, and the tee.
The jacket is spectacular and you do show some skilled shopping here!
But that ring, that ring--its fabulous.
It is singing to me now.
I usually have no trouble with inspiration, unless I am super tired, and the only fix for that is sleep.
LOVED this! Love that little creature of your finger!
xx, elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Oh yes, sometimes sleep is the answer to a crisis, small or big. I'm so happy to learn that you don't have this very often, Elle - it does mean that you feel connected to yourself and free to create most of the times which is absolutely wonderful.
DeleteYes, I have suffered from closet block too. And like you, sometimes I hear that little bell grow louder and louder. I'm glad you persevered and conquered here. I really like your overalls and how you added all these delicious toppings. I was eyeing some denim overalls today at a consignment shop - but not for $75!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your last comment. You are absolutely right. The niceties of grammar, spelling, they don't matter if you've got the heart. That's the one thing that makes everything come alive, it's free, and it can happen at any stage of life.
The nothing to wear gremlin lives at my place too or should I say the nothing seems right today gremlin.Some days are just like that, so just like you did I play around,sometimes it works sometimes not.I think that is why I always full back to my basic black,with the right touches it always seems right.Anyway,you got it very right,the whole outfit just perfect.
ReplyDeleteYou really work it today, Natalia! Itr's so comforting to know that other women out there consider dressing as a sort of spiritual act and a way to connect with inner voice. It's a crazy thought to many people! Those overalls go good with orange. I feel close to orange lately. I should listen mu inner voice, right? Regards to your sweet daughter.
ReplyDeleteI had closet block as Melanie calls it the other day. I grabbed for comfort and found an outfit I loved the look of which never would have occured to me normally. Those are the great days. Other days are just boring.
ReplyDeleteI think your frog ring is a great place to start, and overalls for comfort, elevated by the leopard print. In fact I would have used exactly the same strategy! You look gorgeous in the late afternoon golden light. xo Jazzy Jack
The light is really lovely in these photos Natalia and you ended up looking lovely too. That coat is just fab and a bargain too, even better xx
ReplyDeleteLove your prose, dear friend ... every post of yours is like a little story told with feeling and mood .. you get my mind fly to introduce it in your history. Love it!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, yes! this week especially! my wardrobe has turned into a dreary world of bleurgh, everything looks so old and worn to death and I have lost all my tights.........sigh! I fake it in the winter with a polo neck jumper and a full skirt, a hairpiece and a brooch, it's my go to look I suppose - You look fabulous, the dungarees are amazing, the tones, colours and your jewellry make this such a fabulous Natalia outfit, you always nail it! x x x
ReplyDeleteHow I love your froggy ring! You look amazing and effortless even though you are admitting that to begin with it was not effortless. I love the overalls on you and am quite envious because they never look right on me. I think the proportions are usually off.
ReplyDeleteDo I ever look into my closet and feel I have nothing to wear? Yes, I suppose I do, but I don't go out enough for it to matter to me. If I am just staying home I don't worry about completing an outfit. I have several rings and earrings on permanently which is a lazy way of always being ready. I cannot stand empty piercing holes so I always have earrings in. I don't feel any need to wear a 'new' outfit so if I want to be a bit more dressed up I might put on a favourite combination. If I have time to be creative and plan ahead I might come up with something new and if I am not going anywhere I just throw on jeans and a sweater. If I love everything I own then whatever I put on will be something I love even if it is not my most creative outfit. I hope that makes sense. I am not in full control of my brain tonight. ;-)
xoxo
Yeah, it does happen to me: I look at all my clothes, try to mix, try to find new combinations but nothing excites, nothing inspires. At such moments I think "my wardrobe sucks!" Then I usually give up, especially if I'm in a hurry, and chose some good old basics or some variants that I've already worn before and know they work.
ReplyDeleteLove your "working girl" look! You look so comfortable and confident, I especially like the last photograph! As always, lovely choice of jewelry.
This ring is fabulous:))) You look really good.
ReplyDeleteIt happens to me and then I just put on whatever:)