Tuesday, April 8, 2014

One Man's Trash


Our weather is quite changeable, as Spring is supposed to be, of course. Yesterday, I took my daughter and her friend to the beach after they came back from school. The temperature was in the 70s, it was sunny and felt like Summer. Many kids were playing in the water (even though Puget Sound is cold, especially this time of year), some even had their swimsuits on. Northwesterners are funny that way - you will see both shorts and parkas on the same day. Today, it's again rainy and mild, just like it was a few days ago, when I hit a couple of consignment stores in search of some treasures.



I am really getting into thrift shopping these days. It all started with antique shops. When I just arrived in America a dozen years ago (I forgot to mention it in my blog, but it actually was exactly 12 years in March), I was not crazy about antique shops. They seemed messy and dusty, and smelled bad to me. (Some of them can be that way, though I practically don't notice any bad smell any more... Could be that I first visited an antique mall when I was pregnant, and my sense of smell was really different then.) Then I got interested in collecting little trinket boxes, and antique malls became one of my favorite places to find my treasures. Then I started finding other treasures - mostly home decor stuff. About a couple of years ago I started getting into china, and found quite a few dishes back from 1990s which are not produced any more, tea cups from Limoges or Russia, pitchers from the first half of the last century, vintage tableclothes and other cute kitchen and dining stuff, which I definitely could live without, and my home would have much more space in it then, though it would be a so much less personal, less warm and inviting space. But only during the last few months, I began exploring clothing and jewelry at places like thrift shops (Goodwill and Salvation Army) or even antique malls which, if I understand right, can be similar to what Europeans call flea markets, with a mix of truly valuable collectibles from the past and worthless knick-knacks, one man's trash, another man's treasure... Actually, now when I think of it, in the very beginning of my life here, I did buy some secondhand clothing for me and baby Anya. We used to have a thrift store nearby, which was spacious and clean, and I could just walk there with a stroller (I did not know how to drive when I first came in America, and only received my driving license when Anya was about 6 months old). But then I forgot all about thrift shops for a while. 


Now I am rediscovering thrift clothes shopping. I see it as not just smart, but also very fun and more unique way of building my wardrobe. The chances of meeting someone in the clothes you've just bought in a thrift shop are pretty slim, even if the clothes are not exactly vintage. And I always enjoyed looking unique, even if it's in a quiet way. It was one of the main reasons why I learned making my own clothes as a teenager. 

Here I am wearing a couple of pieces I found at a consignment shop last week. (Now, those are more expensive then thrift shops, but the average quality of stuff is much higher, and the whole experience is more like boutique shopping.) The sweater is such a stunner, in my opinion. How on earth anybody could get bored with it? It's by Nieman Marcus, 100% cotton, beautifully designed and in an impeccable condition. I just love the sleeves! Interestingly enough, it is labeled as medium size, and I typically need XL, so it is supposed to fit really loosely, I guess. But I love how it fits me, even if it wasn't what the designer aimed for.


The raincoat is by the brand Gallery. It's reversible (the other side is black, which is clever since it would easily pair with any other color), beautifully made and in a great condition as well. I know this one will have a a lot of wear - I love green color and I love plaid. I wore it on a breezy day, and felt quite cozy in it.


Even though I wear quite a few sporty style pieces here, I admit that I am not much of an athlete, but you probably have figured it out about me already, haven't you? :) In fact, I never have been especially sporty (I did play tennis as a teenager though, but that was mostly because I found this sport very attractive, and we had such a fun group where I met good friends too, and it did not hurt that the wrestlers, young guys in the same sport facility, practicing next to us, were oh so cute!). I understand, of course, that since we people are not only mental and spiritual beings, but physical beings as well, so we need to get some of those wiggles out of our system anyway. So I decided for myself that if I just do whatever activity I truly enjoy doing, I will not resent the whole idea of exercising. I love walking and swimming, and occasionally I take yoga classes, but group activities don't keep my interest for very long - after a couple of months, I just get bored as they tend to be extremely repetitive, even with the best instructors which have ever existed on the planet Earth... So very often, I just take myself for a nice long walk. Or I take Justin, or Anya, or a friend. But actually, I enjoy walking by myself - I am a good company, and fresh air and my own natural pace both relax and energize me. These photos were taken on one of such walks with Justin in a village where we spend about thirty percent of our time in the last few months, our second home if you will... So we were told that there were great blue herons' nests in the area. There are many herons around here, and we've seen and photographed them on numerous occasions, living on the beach, but I have never seen so many herons in one spot, and I have never seen them nesting. We counted 16 nests on the top of tall trees. They looked quite flimsy to me, but herons seem not to think so. I don't know exactly how many birds there were, because a lot of times they fly away and back, in circles. It seems like they take turns - some stay and watch out for each other's eggs, while others go find food. They were quite talkative as well, lots of communication going on there. But what was especially sweet, to see them snuggling with each other. They are such huge magnificent creatures. It was really touching to see them being so tender with each other... 




Sweater and raincoat - thrifted (consignment store). Pants... can't remember. :)
Shoes - Keds. Purse - Nicole Lee. Infinity scarf - Lane Bryant. Pearl earrings - gift from a friend.

Linking up with Anne's 52 Pick-me-up: Plaid on September 29, 2014

27 comments:

  1. NATALIA ,
    Reading your posts is like discovering a treasure In an antique store. I just never know which kind if treasure it will be! I also love thrift shopping. I have purchased many pieces that I love.
    I am crazy about you reversible coat, love the green plaid, and have the option of all black is so perfect. Too, I love that perfect cherry red sweater on you .. YOu scored!
    I admire those photos of the herons and the nests... What an unexpected and lovely treat to find !
    ( see I am staying with your theme!)
    have a wonderful week, and I will see you soon
    XX, Elle

    http://mydailycostume.com

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    1. You are a poet yourself, my dear! Thank you for stopping by and showering me with your sweet and sincere compliments, you always manage to brighten my day! Hugses! :)

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  2. The color and style of that sweater is so pretty Natalia. I love how you've styled it with floral converse and the scarf (am a bit of a sucker for scarves).

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    1. Scarves do make our life more beautiful and poetic! :) Thank you, Elsie!

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  3. So much like home! Blue Herons abound where I am, and our weather is very unpredictable too. We were quite warm today so perhaps we got your yesterday weather. LOL

    That sweater fits perfectly and I can't imagine it being really baggy and flappy as seems to have been intended. I love consignment shops too though as you say they are a bit more expensive. We have quite a lot of them here and two really nice ones not far from my home.

    I too love walking and walking by myself is a happy pleasure. I find it sort of like a meditation.

    I am having insomnia troubles tonight so although I cannot sleep my brain is not working well. I'm sure there is more I wanted to say here, but I will just finish off with saying that 3/4 profile picture of you is gorgeous!
    xo

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    1. You have managed to say just the right beautiful things even with your insomnia, dear!

      I also can't imagine the sweater look baggy. I have to remember that labels get mixed up sometimes.

      And we ARE neighbors, remember? You just don't have Puget Sound. Everything else is pretty much the same, I think! Do you call your body of water Salish Sea? If yes, then we do have all the same flora and fauna! :) Puget Sound is a part of Salish Sea!

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  4. You really are having some fabulous weather at the moment. Krista's told me about the 70 degree sunshine and I'm very envious! Loving the signs of Spring everywhere, I could watch nesting birds for hours.
    The sleeves on that tunic are gorgeous and the fit looks just right to me. That's the joy of second hand shopping for me. There are no rules, you just grab what you like and wear it how you want to, you could come home empty-handed but invariably there will be something of interest. xxx

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    1. I am getting much more flexible with sizing, Vix. You are right - there are no rules. :)

      The weather has been completely marvelous for the past week! People go swimming already. We all are so ready for Summer!!

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  5. love the portrait shoot!
    the sweater is gorgeous - it has some maritime vibe - perfect for someone living on a shore like you! and together with the cute raincoat you can easily stand a pacific rainstorm :-)
    second hand and flea market shopper i´m i only buy underwear and shoes new. and hosery. 90% of things in my house are flea marked, antique, second hand bought or found on the street. even the railroad keeper house is over 120 years old. i love old things. simply.
    i´m with you and churchill - no sports. when i go hiking, nordic skiing, kayak wandern, it´s only to be at the bosom of mother nature.
    500 meters from my house is a colony of 20-30 gray herons (or fish herons - the old name) in some tall pine trees. in the evening i can hear them talking about how was there day :-)
    i lift my tee glass - bought by my in-laws almost 40 years ago in moscow - to you! nasdrowje!
    xxxx

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    1. Thank you for drinking to my health! :) :) :)

      I agree with you, Beate - the sweater has a cool maritime vibe, and it's perfect for me. I am also with you on old stuff - love it, it has soul and history. We live in an old cottage (about 80 or 90 y.o. I think). All these cute nooks and corners you don't find in most of newer homes... so cozy and romantic!

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  6. I love the bright vibrant red sweater; and it works so well with that fab checked jacket. Yes, it is a sporty kind of look, and also perfect for your preferred activity, a good long walk!
    We probably have a very similar climate - it's perhaps not as warm here - but the image of some people in coats and some in t-shirts is very familiar! Yesterday, which had both glorious sunshine and heavy downpours, there was definitely a wide variety of clothing going on. Your little jacket is ideal for those kind of days.
    Where you live sounds so beautiful; the beach, the woods, wonderful wildlife, interesting towns, I think we need a Bloggers' Day Out to visit you!
    I am a secondhand shopper all the way, it makes sense on so many levels. Keep thrifting, Natalia, you never know what treasures you will find! xxxx

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    1. Treasure hunting seems to become my second nature by now! :)

      Yes, please come out here for Blogger's Day Out! It is an absolutely gorgeous area to live or visit, you got it all right!

      And I am happy that you think that the red sweater pairs well with the green jacket - I too love the pattern and color mix here!

      Hope to read about your newest adventures soon, my dear! :)

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  7. That jacket looks a really nice weight for Spring and the red top is a great shape. Thrift shopping for clothes does get addictive though, but there are worse vices to be had!

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    1. I think these addictions are harmless, Jayne. :) So I allow myself to enjoy them to the full! I fell in love with this red sweater. What an elegant shape and color - just adorable for a breezy cool day!

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  8. The red sweater is lovely, the striped detail at the bottom really gives it a nautical vibe! I generally avoid looking at sizes now, I can pick a garment up and have an idea if it will fit - your keds are so versatile too, they look so good with all of your outfits, and are good for walking!
    Thrifting is addictive, the thrill of finding something beautiful at a great price with all the obvious charitable benefits will always draw me back x x x all beautiful pics btw! x x x

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    1. Thank you, Sandra! You speak wisdom about sizing. They don't matter as long as you are happy with the fit! :)

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  9. How cool with the Heron nest!

    I love all your pops of colour. It suits you so well.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. I had no idea how cool it was to watch herons nesting. Incredible! Thank you, Suzanne!

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  10. I wish I could have gone to the beach with you and Anna, who is gorgeous by the way:) I love that you are kinda just getting into thrifting for clothes it's addicting and fun because it's always a surprise! I think you play with color and patterns so well and this bright red sweater is a cute as it looks cozy. Pretty soon I imagine all my clothes will be happily thrifted.
    Stay beautiful honey!
    XXOO

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    1. I agree with you - more thrifting in my future too. :) Thank you for your kind words, dear! Anna would be sooo happy to go for a walk with the brightly colored you! :)

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  11. Great finds, Natalia! You are right, the sweater is such a stunner. The colour is so beautiful and those stripy details look really interesting. I too like how it fits you. Maybe you remember my Oriental print jacket, it is UK size 12 though I wear 8. But still the jacket's fit looks fine on me. You never know with the sizes...From all sport activities a good walk is one of my favourites. Though I do yoga regularly as well just not to feel stiff.

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    1. You'll have to remind me about your oriental jacket with one of your future posts, Olga! :) Yes, it's all just guidelines, isn't it, sizing? I enjoyed hot yoga all Winter long, and lost interest as soon as the weather got sunnier here. I will certainly do more yoga in the future, but probably not much during the Summer which is so short here, it's a shame to waste it in a gym. :)

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  12. You are so a pretty lady with a lovely attitude. Your energy and vivaciousness shows through the bright and cheerful clothing you wear :)

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  13. I enjoyed the peek at the herons nesting. You got some good shots! You must have been very quiet. I love to walk as well, and especially in the rain, but maybe that is because we don't get much rain here. I also love thrift shopping. It's not just the bargains and the uniqueness, but also having sensory issues, it is a quieter sensory environment than the mall!

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    1. Thank you, Jazz! I learned that herons come back to their nests year after year. They built these right in the neighborhood, on the top of tall trees - so apparently, they don't mind us people. :) It surprised me though because usually herons are very private and shy birds and never let you get close. This is the closest I've ever got to them. It was unbelievably beautiful experience.

      I totally understand about more quiet environment. Let's just say thrifting is good in all the senses. :)

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  14. Наташа, я тоже уже 12 лет в Америке :) Тебе идет красный цвет :)

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