Quintet

From time to time, I have a few sets of photographs/outfits that I haven't gotten to posting for whatever reasons. Sometimes I find that such outfits want to be combined in one post as if they want to make a certain statement. When I gathered these 5 outfits from the last couple of months, I started listening for what kind of music this quintet was going to play together...and what I heard was a distinct tune. When I translated this tune into words, I realized it was 5 style fundamentals that tickle my toes. I suddenly realized that that's what I express with my outfits, more or less successfully, and at the same time what I admire in others (meet my latest style crush: GEORGIANA, and yes, you are so welcome!). So here I am sharing them with you, 5 style fundamentals and 5 outfits: 

COMPLEXITY, BOLDNESS, ECLECTICISM, ORIGINALITY, OPULENCE.

1. COMPLEXITY

mixing patterns and layers

I am naturally drawn to complex outfits. While I can appreciate a minimalistic approach and see how it is capable of making a strong statement, I prefer visual complexity - in art, architecture, interior design, and style. I love the way multiple patterns and layers play with each other and tell stories! I compare it with symphony vs. a musical piece composed for a single instrument. There is nothing wrong with either of them, both can express multiple ideas, both can be more or less talented, harmonious, innovative, etc. It's only a matter of preference, which you like to listen to!

2. BOLDNESS

making a statement

While I appreciate "quiet" outfits, soft tones and shapes, and "understated" presence can definitely be both elegant and powerful, my heart starts beating faster when an outfit makes a bold, energetic statement. Even when it is a somewhat minimalistic outfit as the one I am wearing here, it contains pieces that are bold in shape, or pattern (or both), or color scheme, or material.

3. ECLECTICISM

combining different styles

Eclecticism simply means that you are not sticking to rigid rules, and just mixing different styles. I am definitely not a purist. I love the nomad feel of this outfit (I am, hugely, a nomad both by my blood, and in my soul), but I typically mix traditional boho elements with contemporary city style, and I think it works. To tell the truth, all modern day fashion is eclectic, there are very few examples of purism these days. If you, for instance, are faithful to only a certain period fashion and do everything by the book, or only wear one particular style with no exception at all, then you definitely stand out. Most of us are style mutts nowadays! 

4. ORIGINALITY

expressing one's own ideas and feelings

Today, I don't care whether it's "in style" or "in good taste" as much as whether it is something original, something genuine - but this was not always the case. Though, unlike many young people, I did not follow trends blindly even when I was a teen, I definitely was very much influenced by the concept of "good taste" - first by my Mom, then by a friend, and later, big time - by my alma mater, university. Not that it's wrong to have trends or good taste - all of it has its own place. Trends help sales and in general keep things moving, it's as simple as that. And "good taste" helps sharpen raw creativity into fine art. They both are needed as helpful tools, but they both are nothing without creativity. If we are overly focused on trends or good taste, we can get creatively stifled and even paralyzed! When what's fashionable or what's considered to be good taste becomes our god, it is a symptom that we hide our own original ideas because we are too afraid to express who we are. So we reproduce what is already "accepted" in order to protect ourselves, our vulnerabilities... As soon as we admit that it's our own fear that keeps us from expressing who we are, we realize that there is nothing out there, nothing outside of ourselves to be afraid of. We are who we are. We have our own ideas, and ultimately each of us has the freedom to express them. We don't because we worry whether or not our ideas will become popular - become trendy or considered "good taste". In the larger scheme of things, we worry whether or not we will be accepted. The only way to break through this very common human fear (we are social creatures, after all) is to risk it! The only way to build our true confidence is to stop comparing ourselves with others and allow ourselves to just be who we are!  

5. OPULENCE

mixing rich textures and colors

Speaking of originality, this outfit is rather a copy cat, haha! I loved how gorgeous V. (her Instagram HERE) combined fake fur, leo print, dark florals and velvet in her outfit a while ago. I was mesmerized by it! Then I realized that I can recreate it with items from my closet. My version is different colors, with added sparkles and multiple leopard prints, so in the end we sure can make even a "copy cat" outfit our own. But even if the idea for the outfit wasn't original, it resonated with me deeply because it combines all my favorite ingredients: rich textures (such as fur and velvet), vivid patterns (red floral, striking leopard print). I added golden sparkly jewelry and clear block heels, and Mother Nature was so kind to leave some gorgeous leaves for me (even though it's already December) - and voila! It feels very me, without any reservations.

Photos by Justin

In other news, I had a significant week because we sold a few of my books, both online and in person, when Justin participated in a little craft fair his company hosts once a year. To me as a new, unknown author who is working absolutely independently, every sold book counts! It's still a new and largely unexplored field, self-publishing, and we are at the very beginning of our journey. So when Justin came home with good news, I was on cloud nine! It is a special feeling to watch my book babies taking their first steps in the big wide world! 

If you are thinking of an original gift for someone you love 

(children, nieces or nephews, grandchildren, your friends and neighbors kids...), go to the links I share below. We published 3 books last year, and our new bilingual book is coming very soon!

SUPERSEAL, our new bilingual book, is coming in 2017!

Find our books at

AMAZON or INDIE BOOKSELLERS 

in Seattle, Tacoma, Federal Way, Washington

OUTFIT 1 "COMPLEXITY"

Jacquard knit (skirt and sweater) - Ashley Stewart (old)

Shirt - thrifted

Boots - Ashley Stewart (old)

Jewelry - vintage and old retail

Sunnies - Lane Bryant (old)

Cape - Prabal Gurung x Lane Bryant

Purse - Cole Haan (old)

OUTFIT 2 "BOLDNESS"

Jumpsuit - Chico's (old)

Sweater - Target

Shoes - Kenneth Cole via Nordstrom Rack

Necklace - gift from Elle

OUTFIT 3 "ECLECTICISM"

Knitted coat/cardigan - Chico's (old)

Dress - Old Navy

Booties - Kenneth Cole via Nordstrom Rack

2 purses - vintage and Eloquii

Belt - Talbots (sale)

OUTFIT 4 "ORIGINALITY"

Green faux leather skirt - Who What Wear x Target

Blouse - Eloquii

Ruana - Chico's (old)

Purse - via TJ MAXX (old)

Brooch and clip-on earrings - vintage 

Boots - Aquatalia (old)

Sunnies - Christian Siriano x Lane Bryant (old)

OUTFIT 5 "OPULENCE"

Fur coat - Lane Bryant (old)

Dress - Target (old)

Boots - Ashley Stewart (old)

Leo print backpack - via TJ AXX

Jewelry - mix of old retail and vintage

Sunnies - Christian Siriano x Lane Bryant (old)

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