I have a feeling that I turned the corner with my style - and with my life as well. The three years of my blog that I celebrated recently (HERE), are also three years of me. Only now I can see clearly how much inner work had been done. Only now I can see what a courageous decision I've made three years ago regarding what direction to take my life. These three years were years of solitude, even hermitage, and reinvention. At times, it felt incredibly hard, dark, lonely and vulnerable - to the point when I doubted my own decision. At my darkest moments, I was afraid that I was becoming someone I would never want to be - a disappointed, bitter, maybe even cynical loner with sad eyes who enjoys poking their wounds to make sure they never stop hurting, so they always have a reason to hide and not live their dream. But even in my darkest times, when I looked deep inside me, I knew that choosing light is the only way to go, and that there is no way back for me. I might look back from time to time, to sort of reestablish where I am in my journey. But I never ever go back, no matter how scary the unknown in front of me seems. It wasn't the first time I've done it, and I don't have any reason to believe it will be the last one. It seems that this is what it means to be Natasha Lialina on this planet - to discover and rediscover, to create and recreate, to invent and reinvent her own life.
This outfit has many pieces in common with the previous outfit I shared HERE. Yet it looks so different! Justin and I opened a new theater season (by that, I mean live theater) last weekend, which is one of the joys of life outside Summer, as I'm sure many of you know. So of course for such a festive event, I wanted to look festive too. But this outfit wasn't what I had in mind at all! I planned some bold pattern mix, but all that is left from my initial plan is this new to me skirt. I've been admiring this skirt (originally sold at ModCloth, made in USA) on a few of my favorite bloggers, and I was so happy to buy it secondhand when one of them was clearing her closet. It's in perfect condition and fits me just right.
Long story short, I wasn't quite satisfied with my pre-selected outfit, and I started playing with adding black to it. But only with the addition of the sheer blouse did I know I was finally there, nothing else would do. Sheer fabric is something I don't do much at all, but frankly speaking - why not? Is there any reason at all not to wear sheer clothing when you are free as a bird to do whatever the heck you want? I don't see any!
Skirt - secondhand
Vest - Torrid Insider (clearance)
Blouse, ring, bracelet - Lane Bryant (old)
Necklace - Chico's Collection (last winter?)
Platforms - MIA via Nordstrom Rack
Purse - via TJ MAXX (old)
Sunnies - Christian Siriano for Lane Bryant
Linking to Visible Monday
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A classy and Creative lady, for sure! Glad to hear you've turned a corner, Dearest, you are coming into your own design. Both as a woman and as an artist.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Elsbeth! See what I've done here - the "I can do whatever I want" thing! :) Thank you for being such an inspiring guide.
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ReplyDeleteI have only known you for two weeks and have been reading your original posts from 2013 as I followed everything you've posted in those two weeks. You have become amazingly different from your early days. Not only are you a stylist/artist/writer but a teacher, mentor and encourager of women. (And maybe men too!) Keep growing and sharing. I'm happy to have found you. Thank you! xo
DeleteDear Karen, I am so grateful for your thoughtful, warm and encouraging comments! I think every blogger/writer/artist dreams of such a reader as yourself.
DeleteI also wanted to let you know that I indeed read all of your comments. I receive them in my email box, even the comments you wrote to my old posts. I write replies too, even though sometimes it takes me a while to get to them. Thank you!
I have seen your courageous selections in fashions, which gave me the notion of a change in Natalia. Do YOU.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Glenda! The truth is that I always "do me", it is only the matter of getting to know myself better - the self-discovery that goes on as long as my life goes on. But at certain times, this knowledge accumulates and reaches a critical point - a turning point. Like right now.
Deletetotally fab ensemble natalia!
ReplyDeleteearlier in life o wore a lot of sheers - then in the last years i needed more coverage - same for necklines, shoulders etc. but since a short while i again feel confident to show some skin. its a bit like a insect crawling out of its puppet sheets......
rock on! like my beloved mountaineer reinhold messner named one of his books: "nie zurück"......
huge hugs! xxxxxx
Yes, always and only forward, never back, my dear!
DeleteYes Natalia, Do it! Wear what you want! You are great. You inspire women to wear feminine clothes. You inspire me :)
ReplyDeleteI love your style, Natalia.
Hugs, Tina
It's very touching, Tina. I did not think of it this way, but you are right - I'm all about feminine clothing.
DeleteI'm just a little more than two years in flogging and so glad we connected. I can't imagine you short of confident but I guess we all go through stages and circuits.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sam! I don't think it is a matter of confidence. More like striping off the outer layers that were put there by others. Most of people wear them - it's a security blanket we believe we need for survival in society.
DeleteFantastic outfit! I love the glitzy necklace especially.
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted that blogging has made such a difference to your self-esteem and perceptions. It really is a wonderful platform. xxx
I'm delighted that you enjoy this outfit, Vix! Blogging became a great tool in my self-discovery, for sure. Not to mention connecting with many other creative souls who dare to be true to themselves and live the life that they want.
DeleteA beautiful outfit, Natalia! And it was great to read about your journey these past few years. I hope I will one day be able to say that I'm in that place where I feel I belong.
ReplyDeleteI think you will, Tiina! You definitely have all you need for it - and the biggest part is self-honesty.
DeleteI have this skirt!! So excited that you have it now too.
ReplyDeleteIt has been my favorite for a long time. :)
DeleteStunning skirt!!!
ReplyDeleteJaymie
www.jaymieashcraft.com
Thanks, Jaymie!
DeleteCongrats on the third anniversary of your blog. Apart from featuring gorgeous outfits, you write really well. Well done!
ReplyDeleteJasmine xx
Thank you, Jasmine! I am really touched.
DeleteA beautiful outfit and post, Natalia! You have embraced change and are a strong, wise woman. xo
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thank you, Patti, it means a lot to me!
DeleteI was going to comment on how beautiful you look and how awesome is this set you made...but then I read the post and I totally forgot about the outfit because your words moved me so much. Big congratulations on fighting and winning and being strong:)
ReplyDeleteThank you, my dear! It feels like a huge deal to me, so I really appreciate your comment.
DeleteCongrats on 3 years of blogging and I raise a toast for many more! Many happy returns! Your blog is a huge source of inspiration of me, so I hope you'll never stop blogging!
ReplyDeleteThis outfit is absolutely amazing. I love the addition of the sheer blouse, it takes this outfit to a whole new level...the styling of this look is very stylish, elegant and lady like, so the blouse is just the perfect touch a bit more daring!
Thank you for your warm words, my dear! I think our styles have some similarities - feminine and whimsical. I appreciate our virtual friendship very much! :)
Deleteit's a fabulous, elegant and fantastic outfit, which makes me think on 50's style, with a touch of fantasy in details. Love your bijouterie, love that sheer black shirt and how it enhances the print on your skirt. Your vest is a fab piece too!, and so versatile!
ReplyDeleteAnd I like particularly your attitude through changes and your lovely words. You're wise, dear lady!
besos
Thank you so much, Monica! You always make me smile. :) I love how you "read" my outfit - a touch a fantasy, yes, that's exactly what I went for!
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