Friday, September 30, 2016

Tell a Different Story


My taste in fashion, as well as my taste in life, is very eclectic, and after a few whimsical and retro inspired styles, I got hungry for some cool casual modern.



I checked out what Melissa McCarthy was up to, and discovered that there was a big sale going on, up to 85% off. I like to think that it was serendipity, and that my free spirit created just what I wanted, in the form that was accessible to me, delivering my wishes right to my doorstep. It's all in the way we look at things, you see.


And about a week later... Thump! Thump! The sound of two neatly packaged parcels landing on said doorstep. I have already done some oohing and aahing about Melissa McCarthy clothing on my Facebook page earlier today, so I won't repeat much of it. Sleek, modern, comfortable, flattering, affordable, well-made and all in all fun-tastic! I started wearing them immediately, as in today.



 I wore two new items, super flattering and fun denim shirt (and I am not even a fan of denim shirts) and super comfortable pants (or leggings), stretchy, buttery soft on the inside and edgy leather-like on the outside, in gorgeous plum color and rich texture, for only $22 and $24 each. I'm pretty sure they both will be worn time and time again. Today, I combined them with an old pair of heeled booties, my favorite secondhand mohair ruana and a laptop case by Cynthia Rowley for Staples. I was taken with the series of the Cosmic Black Floral office supplies by this designer, and purchased a few things for my newly created study/studio (my ongoing project) several month ago. Why not use the laptop case as a purse? It is my story to tell.



So this is the way I look at things. When I feel with every fiber of my being that I had enough of the current story, maybe it got weary and just stopped working for me, maybe I simply overgrew it; I take the liberty to free myself up from the obligation to continue telling it. And it is a huge deal. And it isn't what they typically teach us as we grow up. They kind of insist on telling the same story over and over again, arguing that it'll get better with time just as wine gets better with time. Come on, think about it. Not every liquid is wine. Not everything gets better with time. Some things just stop making sense. Or maybe they didn't make sense in the first place, but we weren't yet wise enough to recognize it. 



What can get better with time - or rather, with practice and experience - is our perception and ability to tell stories. They can get better, deeper, finer, more reliable, more organic, more profound, if we keep practicing. Every artist, every writer, every creative intuitively knows it. Once a story had been told, there is no need to tell it over and over again. Turn the page and tell a new, different story. Both in art, and in life. 

Faux leather pants and denim shirt - Melissa McCarthy Seven7 (sale)
Boots - Ecco (old)
Ruana - secondhand (old)
Bracelet - Lane Bryant (old)
Sunglasses - Christian Siriano for Lane Bryant
Laptop case - Cynthia Rowley for Staples

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26 comments:

  1. spectacular look!
    this colors and textures work so well for you!! and the poncho is a very yummy icing on the cake of this outfit!!!

    sometimes i want something "modern&sleek" for myself - but when i look in the mirror i shudder - this kind of clothes are not made for me :-) and why should i change my look? it needed years to not look frumpy in midi-skirts and blouses. and now i´m in a stage that i can get dressed in the dark and still look perfect to my eyes.
    and all the free energy goes in other things - i have many construction sites in my life!!!
    xxxxxx

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    1. Beate, you are one of the most free spirited creative people that I know. A creative person tells new stories where their fire is at the given moment. Yours is in renovations, restoring, gardening - you have been constructing the whole new life for yourself in the past few years. From what I see, those are your new stories! It really doesn't get much newer than that. :)

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  2. both in life and in art...so true! Sometimes it is hard to know when to stop, but if we look at every experience as a growing one, it gets easier. In a way no time is wasted. Sometimes we just have to say goodbye to certain projects...and even people, so that we could go on.

    I do love your modern styling. That denim shirt is awesome...and those leggings are amazing. They look quite thick and wam, so I think they would look great on their own too, worn as pants. You look lovely.

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    1. Thank you, Ivana! I also like to think that nothing is wasted. :)

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  3. I want to create a new story with what's in my current closet. Maybe new pairing?

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    1. Yes! I am very much for new pairings from your own closet!!

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  4. Good story, why not?! You look amazing in this modern cool look ♥️.
    Hear at your heart Natalia.
    Have a great weekend. Hugs Tina

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    1. It was fun to play with new stuff from the parcels - Christmas in September. :)

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  5. This look is awesome! I love the denim with leather.

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  6. Omg those leather pants, though. <3 <3 <3 Rad bag and scarf!

    - Anna

    www.melodicthriftychic.com

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  7. Maybe life is not A story, but a collection of stories, like an anthology... and of course we can't keep telling rhe same story over and over again. But there might be a few recurring themes in stories found in an anthology... in a way, your 'new story' builds on whatever was before, takes on some familiar motifs (Such as the flowers on your laptop case / purse or the ruana) and looks at them from a different angle.

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    1. I like your interpretation, Tiina! I remember in my early 20s, as a university student who studied literature, I thought that a person's life is not a novel like War and Peace, but rather a collection of short stories written by the same author. And yes, they are connected with some themes, and with the same author's style of writing.

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  8. Natalia,
    What wise words so beautifully served up, better even than the thump thump of new parcels at the doorstep!
    Love the burgndy pants and denim shirt, and I love the prices. Love the laptop case cum clutch! It is always fun to think outside the box.
    Sometimes it is wise to change the story, or start a new chapter, even.
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/

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    1. Yes, sometimes, Elle! And we need to listen to ourselves to really understand whether it is time to do so. Glad you liked my little thump-thump story! :)

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  9. Oh my Natalia! Great minds think alike. You look awesome and super chic. Today I'm wearing a similar look with my burgundy leather pants and denim shirt. I love how we can make wonders with a denim shirt. I really like how you added a touch of color with that poncho/scarf.
    xo
    Carelia
    mySMALLwardrobe.com

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    1. WOW! I'm thrilled to know that we are so well coordinated today, Carelia! Fun! :)

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  10. Your shawl is fabulous, those colours are wonderful.
    I love Tiina's analogy of "life not being a story, but a collection of stories, like an anthology".
    xxx

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    1. It's fun to be a storyteller! :) I'm glad you appreciate the ruana, it's one of my most favorite pieces!

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  11. You are discovering the joy that being eclectic in your choice of clothing can bring, after all every day is different so a change is fun. The burgundy leggings look so good with both the denim shirt and that wonderful wrap.Enjoy the change that a new season brings.

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  12. love your eclectic personality!, and also love your new denim shirt (it's gorgeous, and looks so comfy!) and those leggings! wouuu! And it's a great idea to use your laptop case as a bag, I'm a huge fan of repurposing! and it looks really cool!
    I love your words (as usual) about telling a different story, yes!.
    besos

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    1. You always warm up my heart with your kind, appreciative comments, Monica! :)

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  13. Dresses look so great on you! Great figure.

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  14. You have such a poetic way with words, and your sense of style is always inspirational. I do like this A-line blouse shape though with any top I have the basic problem if needing to take in the side seems due to the size I've had to buy to accommodate my bust. This sort of waist skimming concept is what I need, though tunic length tops tend to make my legs look shorter. I LOVE the colours, and they suit you so well. Such cute booties too. I guess I am working on re-writing my story. I always love the stories you tell with your clothing and personal style. I've learned that all this dressing up is not for me, but it's great to enjoy watching someone talented like yourself enjoying it! xoxoxo

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