Monday, May 1, 2017

Modish Matrons #11: Buds and Blooms // Модные матроны №11: Сады в цвету


April showers bring May flowers, as we all know, and we had plenty of rain here not only in April, but also in March...and February...and January...and December...and November...and I probably wouldn't be too wrong if I say in October as well. It was a rainy year, what else is there to say! So as we welcome the month of May, we want to celebrate buds and blooms in all forms, sizes, colors and shapes, much like women and their outfits! We invite you to join the 11th issue of our monthly link-up with your floral or other Spring-inspired outfits! 

Нет худа без добра, а апрельские ливни, как говорится в английской пословице, приносят майские цветы. У нас дождило не только в апреле, но и в марте... и в феврале... и в январе... и в декабре... и в ноябре... Наверное, я не слишком ошибусь, если добавлю: и в октябре тоже. Дождливый был год, что тут скажешь! Встречая долгожданный май, мы приветствуем цветы всевозможных форм, размеров и оттенков, совсем как женщины и их наряды! Приглашаем вас присоединиться к нашему ежемесячному мероприятию, уже одиннадцатому по счету! Добавляйте ссылки на ваши платья в цветочек и другие наряды, вдохновленные весной!


Be sure to visit my beautiful blogging friends TINA und BEATE for that special European touch of style! They never cease to amaze me with their imaginative interpretations of our themes, and I admire and learn from both of them all the time. I don't know yet what Tina is up to, as she teased us by showing only tiny bits of her yummy outfit, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that Beate, like me, was drawn to pansies. Serendipity!

Непременно загляните к Тине и Беате, моим прекрасным подругам-блогерам, за дозой чудесного европейского стиля! Они не перестают удивлять меня причудливыми интерпретациями наших тем, и я восхищаюсь и учусь у них бесконечно. Я еще не знаю, что там приготовила Тина, пока она только подразнила нас, показав крошечный кусочек своего вкусного наряда, но вот Беате словно прочла мои мысли, зачерпнув, как и я, вдохновения у анютиных глазок!



It was the first time in my few years of blogging that I decided to re-shoot my outfit. Originally, I was going to wear something different for this link-up, something a bit more subtle, but this dress jumped on me out of the closet, and I couldn't resist! It's by Eloquii, a plus size brand that carries a trendy line of clothing that is both classic and modern, which is my favorite mix in fashion - something that looks up-to-date, yet has a timeless feel to it. The dress is from the last Fall collection, and it is still available on their site. I bought it on sale, with a good discount, and I am very happy with the fit, quality and vibrant color! I wore it to a couple of meetings on a busy day. And even though I liked my outfit, when I looked back at the photos, I wasn't quite satisfied, the shoes and purse were a bit of cacophony, and I knew I could make the outfit stronger by changing a few details. I also pictured a more creative background for my photos, and voila! The Tacoma downtown was picked for the photo session. It is only 15 minutes from our home, and we get two in one, business and pleasure - a bit of local history, creative photography, nice dinner and inspiring material for my blogpost after all. 

Впервые за несколько лет ведения блога я решила переснять свой наряд. Вообще-то у меня были другие идеи для этой темы, не столь прямолинейные, как платье в цветочек, но это бирюзовое платье словно само выскочило на меня из шкафа, и удержаться не было сил! Оно от Eloquii - бренда, специализирующегося на одежде размера плюс, сшитой в последних тенденциях моды. Их одежда и классическая одновременно, что мне очень импонирует. Это платье из коллекции прошлой осени, и оно все еще доступно на сайте бренда. Я купила его на распродаже, с хорошей скидкой, очень довольна качеством, посадкой и выразительным цветом! Надевала его на пару деловых встреч, и хотя мне нравился мой наряд, фотографиями я не вполне осталась довольна: туфли и сумочка слишком диссонировали, и мне захотелось создать наряд посильнее, изменив некоторые детали. Мне также хотелось найти более интересный фон для фотографий, и вуаля! Центр города Такома был выбран для фотосессии. Это всего в 15 минутах от нашего дома, так что получилось совместить приятное с полезным: узнать что-то новое о местной истории, пофотографировать, поужинать, и в итоге собрать вдохновляющий материал для блога.

Northern Pacific Office Building (1888), on the National Register of Historic Places

The Elks Temple (Lodge), 1916

Tacoma has plenty of great examples of old architecture, but due to economic struggles the city lost its polish over time, which started coming back only in the last decade or so. Some of Tacoma's great architectural beauties were either lost (demolished) or neglected, just as the Old Tacoma Elks Lodge (Elks Temple) that you see on these photographs. The Elks Temple and adjacent Spanish Steps were built in Beaux Arts style (the Italian Renaissance revival) in 1916. With an over 100 year old history, they contribute to the face of Tacoma, and just like faces of people, like trees and flowers in nature, cities and buildings also have their own seasons. 

В Такоме множество замечательных примеров старинной архитектуры, однако в результате экономических трудностей с течением времени город потерял лоск, который начал возвращаться только в последнее десятилетие. Какие-то здания-красавцы были потеряны (снесены), другие оставлены без внимания, подобно тому, что вы видите на этих фотографиях - Elks Temple (elk - это вапити или благородный олень, а название организации, которая изначально была мужским клубом, можно перевести как "Олений храм") и примыкающая к нему Испанская лестница были построены в стиле бозар - Beaux Arts (эклектичный стиль, продолжающий традиции итальянского возрождения) в 1916 году. Со своей более чем 100-летней историей, они придают шарм лицу Такомы. И точно так же, как лица людей, как деревья и цветы в природе, города и здания переживают свои собственные времена года.


The Spanish Steps were modeled after the famous Scalinata di Spagna in Rome. The magnificent staircase started declining as a result of neglect and vandalism, but fortunately won a grant and was renovated in 2011 as one of the main links allowing for downtown walkability. The Elks Temple (built and occupied by the fraternal club in the past) remained empty for the last 40 plus years. In 2009, it was bought by the McMenamins, two brothers from Portland, OR, developers who are passionate about historic renovations in both Oregon and Washington states, with a goal to complete the revival in Summer 2017. But other projects as well as the slow process of fundraising resulted in a delay, and now they intend to only begin renovations this coming Summer. The building overlooks Puget Sound and is a notable part of the Old City Hall Historic District. As a Tacoma resident, I hope that this year will become a new Spring for this historic beauty, and am very much looking forward to the revival of the Elks Lodge in a new role. If you're interested in details, you can read and watch videos about it HERE. The site dedicated to the Elks restoration and other McMenamins' historic renovations projects HERE

Испанская лестница была спроектирована по подобию знаменитой Скалината ди Спанья в Риме. В результате пренебрежительного отношения и вандализма великолепная лестница начала приходить в упадок. К счастью, на восстановление получили грант, и в 2011 году лестницу, как одно из основных звеньев, позволяющих пересекать центр города пешком, отремонтировали. "Олений храм" (построенный клубом) оставался пустым в течение последних 40 с лишним лет. В 2009 году он был куплен братьями МкМенамин, разработчиками из города Портленд (штат Орегон), которые страстно увлечены историческими реконструкциями в штатах Орегон и Вашингтон, с целью завершить возрождение летом 2017 года. Однако как другие проекты, так и затянувшийся процесс сбора средств привел к задержке, и теперь они намереваются только начать реконструкцию этим летом. Здание выходит окнами на залив Пьюджет-Саунд и является частью исторического района Старой ратуши. Будучи жителем Такомы, я надеюсь, что этот год станет новой весной для этого исторического района, и с большим нетерпением жду возрождения "Оленьего храма" в новой роли. 


Details of the Elks Temple

The top of Spanish Steps and Old City Hall (1893) peeking from the trees





Back to dresses and flowers! For my retro dress, I picked my old pair of block-heel pumps in a reptile pattern that reads as neutral, and my second-hand cape. The floppy red hat was a cherry on the cake! My old favorite olive green leather purse got a new accessory recently - a matching fur pom-pom from H&M (I bought it when I did some shopping for my daughter). I like how the gold hardware plays with gold buttons of my new dress. And to finish it all off, red lipstick and vintage glass clip-on earrings. Little did I know that the pansies from my dress (the fabric pattern is called "Pansy Play") will sow themselves all over the flowerbeds of Tacoma! Here is to Spring - to the renewal it brings to nature, cities and people!

Ну и назад к платьям и цветам! Для ретро-платья я выбрала туфли со змеиным принтом, который, как ни странно, воспринимается как нейтральный, и кейп, купленный по случаю с рук. А широкополая красная шляпа тут словно вишенка, украшающая торт! Не так давно купила украшение для любимой старой сумки из оливково-зеленой кожи - меховой помпон в цвет от марки H&M (никогда там ничего для себя не брала, но подвернулся этот помпон, когда ходила по магазинам с дочкой). Мне нравится, как золото сумки перекликается с золотыми пуговицами нового платья. И завершают наряд красная помада и винтажные клипсы из стекла. Я и не догадывалась, пока гуляла, что мое платье рассеет анютины глазки по такомским клумбам! С весной вас! С обновлениями, которые она приносит природе, городам и людям!



Dress - Eloquii (still available on their website)
Trench cape - second-hand Ann Taylor
Hat - old, don't remember the brand
Purse - old B Makowsky via TJ MAXX
Pumps - old, via Nordstrom Rack
Earrings - vintage

You are welcome to add your links below, 
and I am linking to Visible Monday!

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28 comments:

  1. fabulous! totally chic! <3
    i like that the dress - although of its sweet flower print - is a straight shirtwaist. this contrast makes it very wearable for lots of occasions. and your cape is a perfect match!
    elks lodge is a beautiful building! and this gorgeous steps at the side - wow. once renovated it will make for some fine flats.... and maybe a chic café :-)
    p.s.: you guys got all the rain that is very missed here by local farmers! ts!
    hugs&kisses and a wonderful sunny may! xxxxx

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    1. It feels good to start a new month with old friends! :)
      Good point about wearability of this dress, it really will go almost anywhere. I love the details, in addition of bold print. And yes, that's what they envision for the Elks Lodge - a hotel with a few restaurants, and who knows, maybe a cafe on the steps too. :)
      Wishing you to get some much needed rain, to all your farmers and plants and flowers!
      Love <3

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    2. thank you - you are a fairy indeed! it started raining - softly and tender :-)
      xxxxx

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  2. Oh Natalia, a beautyful post. This dress is stunning and I like you wear it with hat. You look fabulous! I love this post with flowers, great old architecture and this cute rabbit.
    We need rain here since weeks. It's grey and cloudy but no rain. Except today...it's raining :)
    Many hugs and kisses, Tina

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    1. My dear, thank you again for our link-up - it feels so special that we get together and create! And like I said to Beate, I love that we greet a new month together!
      Thank you for the compliments, I think this dress would look great on you too - Eloquii makes some great clothes!
      Happy that you got some rain, finally! We can share ours anytime - just let us know! ;)
      Love <3

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  3. I have to admit that I used to hate florals. But either the florals have gotten prettier or I've come to my senses--ha ha!!
    I added my mom to this linkup, with a lacy, flower tunic!!
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Oh Jodie, I think I also came to my senses about a lot of things style-wise! Or maybe completely got out of my mind, what's the difference anyway? :)

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  4. So enjoyed learning about the old and distinguished architecture of Tacoma. I hope to get up there some time this summer. Your dress is lovely. I have been posting a lot about the abundance of wildflowers up here in the Northwest this Spring. (One good thing about all that rain.) We are lucky to live here!

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    1. I definitely recommend to visit Tacoma, it's a hidden (more or less) gem, compared to its beautiful brother Seattle. I think you'll love it! And yes, we are blessed to live here! Such gorgeous nature in such variety is rarely seen on our planet in one place. <3

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    2. And I feel so fortunate to research about such places, it takes a while to find details and put it all together, but it's worth it! And thank goodness for the Internet! where would I go for all this information in old times? weeks and months of researching in libraries and archives perhaps!

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  5. Simply gorgeous print on the vintage style dress, Eloquii has been knocking it out the park!
    Topped with the trench style cape- I love it!
    - www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Joi! I am also stunned by this company lately, they are doing pretty amazing things.

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  6. Tacoma has some architectural delights, doesn't it? No wonder you love it.
    I love the bold print on your dress and the floppy hat, cape and snake print shoes make marvellous companions! xxx

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    1. Thank you, Vix! I am glad you appreciate my somewhat 70s style outfit! It was a pleasure to put it together and then explore the city! <3

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  7. That outfit is utterly delicious! That dress is fantastic, such a wonderful colour and print, and I love how you combined it with the cape (which is so sweet!) and the floppy hat. Tacoma is a wonderful setting for your photos and I do hope the magnificent Elks Temple will be restored to its former glory! xxx

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    1. Thank you, Ann! This outfit resembles the fun 1970s which I think we both are partial too. :)

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  8. so lovely classic-modern style dress!, you look gorgeous wearing such a wonderful print and I love your accessorizing and your cute cape!
    I always enjoy a good walk through your city and awesome landscapes!
    besos

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    1. I would be happy to stroll with you in Tacoma or anywhere else, Monica! :)

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  9. Natalia , so pretty in your floral dress , it does have that vintage vibe in its style and colours.Beautifully styled with your cape and hat. I enjoyed your ode to Spring as we slide into Autumn .Tacoma looks so very interesting , I am pleased to hear that those wonderful buildings are to be rescued and bought back to life. Enjoy your Spring.

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    1. So good to see you here with us again, Jill! Yay to Spring and Autumn all at the same time. :)

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  10. Inlove Flowers, your, too!
    Sincerly
    Astrid

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  11. I am your neighbor to the north in Vancouver and have been following your blog for almost a year now. I love how you have interpreted our quite dismal weather this year into an opportunity for fun and fashion. I LOVE this dress. And thank you for all the inspiration to be creative, have fun and love life! Stay strong, beautiful lady! xo

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    1. You are always so sweet, Karen! Thank you for your kind and encouraging comments, they mean a lot to me! Enjoy the sunshine! :)

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  12. Dearest Natalia,
    I like your outfit very much - a dress in fantastic colors and with a nice cut, and I find it particularly chic with hat and cape! Very beautiful also the old houses with their "charm of the past".
    My modish matron outfit is quite discreet this time - the green and black skirt shows stylized white flower buds. I am curious about your opinion! In addition, you can see old houses in Vienna in this post (also approximately from the time around 1900).
    Hugs from Austria,
    Traude
    PS: Cute rabbit! :-)

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    1. Thank you, dear Traude! It's always great to have you here, love your creative outfits and photos!

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  13. Dress+cape+hat = wow!!!
    Hugs from Austria a second time ;-)

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    1. It's wonderful that you joined us again! Thank you!!

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