Thursday, June 20, 2019

Sharing is Good for the Soul


No worries, friends, I didn't finish all these fries by myself - 
I shared it with my friend the Crow!




I'll come back to my friend the Crow a bit later, and for now let me just say:
Hello! I've missed you! 
And I'm ready to share some bits of my life again. Let's see what happened lately. My gig at libraries has ended in May, and I have Summer break now. Not sure yet whether I will schedule any work or just take it easy till fall. Since Anya's school year finished, I actually started feeling more restful and am readily diving into my new hobbies and interests.



One of which I'm going to share here. It is my new interest in jewelry, particularly Soviet vintage jewelry, which I adore. There is something very special about those pieces, something warm and familiar. They bring memories of childhood and of all of those women in my family wearing something similar. The rose gold amber pendant I wear here is a stylized Art Deco beetle from the 1970s. I do recall seeing amber bugs as a kid in the late 70s - early 80s. They usually were gold-plated brooches, less sophisticated visually compared to this genuine gold piece, but highly recognizable still. I am utterly in love with my find! I found it on eBay, and it's in perfect condition, which suggests that it was very well taken care of, and both the craftsmanship and the amber itself are divine! Did you know that the biggest amber mine in the world is in Russia? Yes, it is in Kaliningrad Oblast which is Western Russia, on the Baltic Sea, and that's precisely where my pendant was made. I'm so happy to find such a unique hobby as this one, which deeply resonates with me, connects me with my roots. And I feel honored sharing this hobby with people of my cultural background, as well as sharing it here with you, women of great taste for unique pieces! I just know you will appreciate this beauty, and knowing it makes me happy.



You might've seen this orange&black matching linen set a few times before (jacket with a dress in my fiery post in AUGUST 2018, the whole set in MAY 2017, and the pants in different combination among other outfits in SEPTEMBER 2017). I noticed that I wore it with the same sandals all three times I featured it on the blog - got in a rut. But not this time! I wear a new pair of sandals by Bionica. Guys, it's like walking on clouds!! I highly recommend to anyone who values a good sole support. And I do think they are stylish too. I purchased two pairs at Nordstrom Rack - one black and white and another golden one. They go with most of my Summer outfits, and I don't even want to wear anything else these days. If you are looking for more brands that make comfortable shoes, browse my page GOOD SOLES. I try to keep it updated, so feel free to suggest your favorite comfy shoes brand, so we can share good stuff with fellow fashionistas.



The black striped top was bought on sale, and it is "convertible" as the maker suggests - it just means that you can wear it back side forward if you want no lace upfront. I was looking for a partner to wear with these pants, and was glad to find this one. I think they'll be good friends. 



A Day of Surprises became a good family tradition for Anya and I. Last year, I took her to my favorite places in Edmonds, a cute town just north of Seattle, and she loved our adventures. This time, we headed south to explore what little jewels South Tacoma hides. Not the most glamorous part of town, but we found plenty to delight our senses! First we browsed the South Tacoma Antique Mall, then had sushi in a small food court in one of the Asian markets (Sushi Niwa - highly recommend, fresh, yummy, inexpensive). After which we hit Barnes and Noble in neighboring Lakewood to browse books, and finally ended our day of adventures in the beautiful Wapato Park, a true treasure of South Tacoma. I call it "a day of surprises" because I purposefully don't tell Anya where we are going, and while I have a loose plan or rather ideas of activities, we both explore and just see what happens while sharing a day together. Sometimes we discover new places to eat. Sometimes we see pretty flowers or meet wild animals. One time we saw adorable baby seagulls, and yesterday ducklings in the park. We do such free explorations ever since Anya was a tiny baby herself, and we will continue as she grows and pass it on to her kids some day. My Mom also liked surprising us kids, and I still remember that and always will. 



The outfit came together unexpectedly on a whim. You could have seen this embroidered bell-shaped sundress in JULY 2018. It is so easy to wear that I started wearing it as my home dress on warm days. The zebra print linen jacket was thrifted (shown in JULY 2018 with a different dress). As I got this jacket out of my closet and put it on just to see whether I felt the vibe so to speak, I noticed that the jacket played well with the dress I was wearing at home that day...so I decided to share the dress, wearing it both in house and out. I just needed to iron both pieces, and voila! The outfit of the day, a.k.a. OOTD, like a star, was born! This mix is a bit out there, unexpected, perhaps, but hey, after all, it's a star.



Back to my friend the Crow now. Unlike my wardrobe pieces which are well-loved and remixed, this is a new bird in the 'hood! This exciting example of public art is as stunning and surprising as it is humorous. Recently opened at the wonderful complex Les Gove Park in Auburn, WA only three weeks ago. I adore it! It fits the public space near the library perfectly while also connecting the present day with history (there used to be a restaurant on this spot for years). I applaud the local artist Peter Reiquam who shares his amazing talents with a passerby, on foot or in their car, or even in a little airplane. If you'd like to learn more about this unique artist and see more of his pieces, I am happy to share his site with you: ART BY PETER REIQUAM.



Only one thing is left to share: the details of this outfit which was cheered by drivers as I was standing next to the Crow. I showed the red skirt with different button-down shirts in JULY 2018, AUGUST 2017, JULY 2017. My blouse with ruffles was also shown among other outfits in AUGUST 2018 (just keep scrolling down). 

Ahhh. I shared with you, and that felt good. I now feel that I am back in the saddle again. Many new interests which keep me busy, but there is still something special in sharing my life, writing and fashion with you. Why is that, I wonder? Because it's FUN*TO*SHARE! Also, perhaps because we understand each other so well.

Love you all!

Photos by Justin and Anya (in Wapato Park),
as we share life together!


* * *

21 comments:

  1. I love the mix and match-able outfit in your first few pictures. All the clothes are stunning, but the versatility is terrific for limiting a wardrobe size and still have variety. Once our graduation and work travel schedule is done. I am looking forward to day trips and exploring with my girls. Anya has grown up so much!

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    1. Thank you so much, Sam! Versatility is a wonderful thing, and mixing and matching pieces over and over again is such an amazing style key, especially if you work with a limited wardrobe. Happy Graduation and have fun with your girls!

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  2. How lovely to see you again, Natalia! Of all your outfits here, I love the first one the most. Both the frilly blouse and the broderie anglaise skirt are super fabulous. It's THE perfect summer outfit for me. How lovely to have a Day of Surprises tradition. I was actually quite suprised to see how Anya has grown up and become a gorgeous young woman! Mr. Crow and his fries made me smile, what a fun art installation! Lots of love xxx

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    1. Thank you so much, Ann! I am happy to see you too, and hear that you love the first outfit! It was such great fun to wear it that day. Warmest hugs, dear friend!

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  3. Oh don't you just love public art? Especially sculpture. It is always gratifying to see enlightened governments supporting the arts.
    I love your day of surprises idea.
    Your new hobby sounds fascinating. Love your little necklace. It glows.
    Just like you!
    xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. Yes I do! :) Thank you so much, my dear! I agree with you so much - it is an enlightened government indeed, that's exactly right. It is possible, after all. They bring such fun interactive pieces to the public so we all can *share*... and sharing is also an act of enlightenment. :)
      Have a wonderful weekend!

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  4. Ooo, I love the sculpture and your red outfit.
    I also liked your emphasis on sharing in this post. There is something special about sharing your life, interests and fashion through a blog. I feel thankful that I am too able to express my creativity in this way. X

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind comment, Jess! Sharing is multiplying the joy we feel. Warmest hugs!

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  5. hello darling!!!
    nice to see you again - and in gorgeous, sweet and elegant outfits!! <3 <3 <3
    summer is the right time to take things easier. we just started to try this too (the office holidays where i job do help there).
    good that you´ve found comfy sandals, sore feet are no fun. your little amber bug is a beauty and its warm tones are lovely with your summer teint <3
    i totally share your love for amber jewelry - so north-eastern style :-D "königsberg" was once germany´s biggest amber mine and the most famous manufacturing for jewelry and deco pieces made of amber - pre-war items sell for big numbers here.....
    all you looks are very different but very natalia! wearing the zebra jacket with that dress is simply genius - very "noble hippie"....
    love to read about your day with anya, how wonderful to spend some time this way... btw: she is so beautiful!!!!
    have i nice summer - we meet at the pool soon!
    much looooveeee!!! xxxxx

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    1. Thank you so much, my dear! I had a feeling that you would appreciate the embroidered dress + zebra print outfit - it's not the most popular silhouette, I know, but I love it! Btw Anya loved it as well. :)

      I am also glad we share the love of amber. Such a wonderful gem, warm and soulful. Oh yes, Königsberg, of course, such a rich history, you are right about that.
      Love to you, and have fun this Summer!

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  6. Hello Natalia , how lovely to see you pop up in my reader! A wonderful round-up of outfits, I particularly love the trousers and versatile top, those wonderful warm and spicy colours are ones I always associate with you.
    Anya looks so grown-up and beautiful! xxx

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    1. Thank you so much, dear Vix! I am happy that you associate these warm spicy colors with me - they do feel like my second skin. Thanks for compliments to Anya! <3

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  7. natalia I missed you! You are back with drums and trumpets, I loooove your outfits so much. And how wonderful is this beetlenecklace ! I understand you love it so much. Great new interest. You collect them?
    I is great we both had wonderful time with our daughter :))
    Much love and a warm hug Tina

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    1. Thank you so much, my dear Tina! It feels wonderful to be back with my blogging friends! I started developing a deeper interest in jewelry than before, but I wouldn't say it's a collection yet, maybe the very beginning of it. I have a few pieces of traditional Russian jewelry (hand-painted enamel, gorgeous metal work (filigree), wooden jewelry etc.), and this is the only new-to-me pendant with an amber that I got as a gift for my birthday. But it would be great to form a collection some day! :)

      Glad that you're having fun with Sarah, time with our kids is so precious! <3

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  8. Dear Natalia, what a great thing you are back and with such great outfits! I like them all, but most I am with your amber love. I was it all time I can remember. Its such a great and astonishing thing from our past including it for us. It feels warm on our skin and like ourselves! Like your special outfit with the crow, and the crow as well. Hope you will have a great, great summer time. With love, Sunni

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    1. Thank you so much, dear Sunni! I am glad that we share the love of amber - it really is a very special gem! Happy Summer to you, dear!

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  9. Hello dear Natalia , how lovely to see you again and sharing your wonderful outfits and snippits of your life. Enjoy the relaxed pace of Summer days. Anya seems to have become a beautiful young woman before our eyes. The vintage Russian jewellery sounds fascinating and that beetle is just lovely.I do rather like your first fun Summery outfit but I also always like you in those warm, spice tones.
    Enjoy your Summer . All my love, Jill. xx

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    1. Thank you, my dear Jill! Glad you enjoyed this post, it was fun to create! And while I love Summer, it always feels so refreshing at the same time seeing your Fall/Winter weather with its special light, and your creative layered looks! Much love!

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  10. lovely to see you again and lovely to enjoy everything you share!
    It's fab to read that you've found this new hobbie which involves tradition and craftmanship, the amber pendant is so beautiful!
    Your striped suit is fabulous and fits you like a dream, I think that its colors are lovely!, and you look so comfy&cool wearing it!, loving your suit in every outfit!. And your saldals look actually like my kind of thing!, comfortable!
    And I love your red skirt with the gingham blouse and how fabulous is the crow!, thanks for sharing this piece of Art!
    Hope you're enjoying a fabulous summer!
    besos

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    1. Thank you, my dear Monica! I am happy that my little finds and discoveries pleased you! I do love that orange linen suit - and these sandals do remind me of your footwear! Happy Summer, dear friend!

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  11. I think that creatives can always use a little break. As much as it is enjoyable, and as much as we love it, creative work is quite draining, so some rest is important too....and taking the summer off to explore hobbies sounds like a great idea. My husband suggested that I take summer off too. I had a few job changes since we last spoke, the last job I did was as a learning assistant for a child with special needs. I signed a two month contract with the Ministry that ended in June and now I'm looking for a new job but I might also take it a bit easier this summer.

    I didn't know that the largest amber mine was in Russia. That amber piece you showed is so beautiful. Such a great find! I need to browse eBay and etsy for vintage pieces some time too! I love the striped outfit you paired that vintage soviet necklace with. I love the art deco vibes. The second outfit with the dress is lovely as well.

    How fun you had a great a surprise activity day with your daughter. That seems like such an amazing family tradition. It is nice your mother used to do the same thing too. We never do forget those little things our parents did for us, did they? My parents took us everywhere with them when we were little. My mother explained it was because they had to (since the grandparents lived someplace else) but it was still fun being taken to all sorts of places.

    It was a pleasure seeing all of those outfits. I'm not surprised your red outfit got cheers, it's gorgeous...the ruffles on the gingham top are so feminine and chic and I do like the red skirt as well. The crow art statue you're posing by is gorgeous. I'm fascinated by crows. They are very intelligent birds. Here the American/Canadian crows are an invasive species and they can be a bit aggressive (maybe because it is not natural habitat). My husband yelled at a flock of North American crows that lives near our home and they got really upset about it, did all sorts of revengeful things (you wouldn't believe it) but I managed to make peace with them as I'm very good with birds. All is well that ends well. Thank you for sharing all of this, the artist who made that crow statue is very talented.

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