Monday, April 28, 2014

Uncomplicated


I actually wanted to wear a dress yesterday. In fact, I have wanted to wear a dress for quite a while now... But there is always something. Either the Pacific Northwest sky with its rain or unpredictable clouds and sunshine, and rain, and thunder, and some more sunshine mixture throughout the day (where did it learn to do so? was our sky on vacation in Scotland or something?). Or I feel as moody as our weather, and just don't feel like dressing up. We had a relaxed out-n-about kind of day, and I knew I needed something to be and feel comfortable all day long. So after a nothing-to-wear kind of morning when half of my wardrobe was out and any combination seemed wrong, I finally picked this new-to-me sheer striped blouse and weekend/boyfriend jeans which are completely impossible to resist 'cause they are like a good old friend, you know, so soft, and comfy, and just perfect in every possible way.


I really liked how this outfit turned out. I consider it quite minimalistic, and you? It is relaxed, simple (as in uncomplicated), and yet still fun and interesting to look at... Now, that is not my bare tummy peaking out on the first photo. Since the blouse is sheer, I wore it with an ivory-colored camisole. Do you think it works, or a navy blue cami would look better?


I don't wear these gorgeous chandelier earrings often because of their weight - they are pretty heavy, and it just gets tiring after a while. But I do like them very much, especially the way those little tear-shaped beads sparkle in the sun ... (when there IS sun, that is).



Shoes are like toys, aren't they? Look at my toys! They are so comfortable, I can walk in them all day long and never get tired. I really enjoy their print and shimmer too. I feel like a beach bum in this outfit, only a bit fancy one. :)


It was in 50s F, so some kind of coat was a necessity (O! The English language... I got the spelling right after the third try! phew!), and my new Michael Kors trench was only a natural choice - it's so Spring-like. I saw the same trench in orange and would love to have it too, but I think one is enough for now. This is my first ever trench coat, by the way. I know, I say it often, but it's true. I never really was interested in them, despite their classic nature (and I actually am attracted to classic shapes). This one spoke to me as I passed a clearance rack at Nordstrom Rack, because of its color of course. And it was discounted generously to $80 versus original $250, and fitted me perfectly, and all those lovely details - I couldn't resist. I know I will wear it bunches and bunches in our mild rainy climate - I already do.


This purse was the last item I grabbed before I went out the door. It is safe to say that this is my all time favorite purse. I  spotted it at TJ MAXX a few years ago (in 2010 I think), and fell head over heels in love. (Do you have such strong feelings towards things?) I love everything about this purse - colors, shape, choice of fabric, size, hardware (a very important element for me). You will be surprised, but I had not heard of the brand before I bought it (Cole Haan), but I figured it must be fancy because the purse was pricey even after discount... it's for sure the most expensive bag in my wardrobe. But I wore it every single day for a few years, and never got disappointed in this purchase. Though eventually I got tired of it and bought another purse or two, and forgot about this cutie. I even misplaced it and couldn't find it anywhere until just recently. Actually, Justin told me where to look. So now I have it again and thus another orange purse phase begins... :)


Blouse and earrings - Chico's. Jeans - Lane Bryant. Trench - Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack. Old time favorite purse - Cole Haan via TJ MAXX (a few years back). Shoes - Born. 

Linked up with 52 Pick-me-up roundup for Boyfriend/Girlfriend theme

25 comments:

  1. The coat really pulls the outfit together. I think the cream cami was the better choice too. I'm surprised the dressy earrings work with the outfit but they do.

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    1. Thanks, Charlotte! It's so fun to mix casual and dressy in one outfit - I think it's the best of what modern sense of style offers us. :)

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  2. tOO ADORABLE FOR WORDS. i WISH WE COULD MEET AND HAVE A NICE CUP OF TEA WHILE WE CHAT.
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

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  3. Natalia, this outfit is simple but beautiful. Love the pretty earrings and that glowing smile of yours is contagious. It warms the heart to look at your photos.

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    1. What wonderful words, Elsie!! Come over for tea one day, OK? :)

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  4. Simple can be fun! I love the knotted shirt over your jeans; if it was me, I would probably wear a contrasting colour camisole top underneath and unbutton the shirt further so it shows, but navy or cream work just fine. Like you, I have never been drawn to trench coats at all (despite them featuring on every list of wardrobe staples/must-haves!) but you're right, it's probably because they are usually a dull beige; your bright green version is so much funkier!
    I do like a big roomy bag - how does anyone manage with one of those flat clutch bags that look lumpy as soon as you put something in it?! xxxx

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    1. I have only a couple of clutches - for those occasions when I don't need to bring anything with me but Justin! :) :) :) Because he can put all I need into his endless pockets!!!

      I was thinking about a contrasting cami... I wonder how my orangish red cami will look with this top. I have to try! I am also not drawn to generic "basic" clothes, Curtise. For that reason a denim jacket was never something I wanted to buy. But I understand that they do add to a wardrobe. I actually have just bought my first ever dark blue denim jacket and I have a feeling that I will love it. :)) I also bought a beige trench once, and was very excited - it had an absolutely unique design, two parts, a sleeveless long coat and a short bolero style jacket which you could wear in 4 different ways. Unfortunately, it did not fit me, but I gave it to my friend as a present! :)

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  5. I LOVE the earrings and jacket. It is a shame they can't manage to make them a bit lighter. I have the same issues.

    Cole Haan is a great brand.

    Green is such a wonderful colour on you. And perfect for where you live.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Thanks, Suzanne! I now own not one, but two purses by Cole Haan and even visited their store up in Seattle. :)

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  6. I need help in the simple department. This coat and color are striking on you and make the outfit for me. I also think the shoes are cute and comfy my favorite thing in a shoe:).. I also love that you wear cool ear rings with your short hair you can see them so it's perfect!

    I wanted to tell you how very much I appreciate your comments about my Dad. I am so touched by the genuine outpouring of love from all over. It reminds me again how wonderful people really can be! I gotta meet you one of these days and give you a big hug in person!
    Lots of lovexxxxxxxxooooooo

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    1. I can help! :) Simple is for those days when you just don't feel fussy... do you have days like that? I know I do. I like all sorts of styles. Variety is my best friend. :) And I love earrings very much too, but I get too tired to wear bulky heavy ones...

      You radiate so much sunshine, my dear, even in darkest times. Of course all the good stuff is pouring out of people - we are drawn to you as to a big bright beautiful magnet! :)

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  7. I've never been a fan of trench coats until i saw yours - its green and its fabulous and an absolute bargain. Loving the stripy top and those gorgeous Bollywood-esque earrings. So many women with short hair shy away from fancy earrings which, to me, is a wasted opportunity. I know that awful dragging down sensation, you take them off and can still feel them hours later! xxxxxxx

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    1. WOW, this is saying something! I am sure there is a very funky bright crazily happy trench somewhere waiting for you, my dear! I'd love you two meet! This green cutie makes me really happy. In a way, it's nice that it's still raining - so I can enjoy my green trench! :)

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  8. Natalia, I love that bright green trench coat and I know what you mean about returning to some clothes as they are just so familiar and comfortable and uncomplicated. Sometimes that's just what you need. I love those earrings and they just seem to me to give that little bit of glamour when you don't want to go all out with the rest of the outfit.

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  9. Your earrings are beautiful and so ornate, it's odd I don't really wear earrings yet I adore them on others. Your green trench coat is a beauty and such a gorgeous colour on you, and I totally understand those mornings/afternoons too when nothing is right especially when comfort is key, your outfit though looks so comfortable and still gorgeous! and how wonderful to re-discover an old favourite bag! x x x

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    1. I sooo can imagine you having the same kind of morning, dear! I think we have a somewhat similar temper! :) I can recognize by the amount of exclamation marks in our comments!!! :) :) :)

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  10. You look charming and effortlessly casual ... just a little polished for fun. So often your outfits veer toward the polished, and I love that! The green trench coat makes it fabulous.
    I know exactly how you feel. I get your mood. I've been there for the last two or three weeks. I'm waiting for the weather to allow me to bring out the good stuff. But no ... the minute I think I can, it rains or throws a tornado around. Tomorrow for sure. May your weather come back from Scotland and as soon as can be!

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    1. I so love your descriptions, Jan! You are always very insightful and so skillful with words! I am very thrilled to know that I can come across as polished a bit. I guess I get it from my Mom who is an elegant woman and always was. I think we learn so much from our mothers, we don't even realize it until later in life!

      Our weather is a piece of candy compared to yours, I hope you will have a peaceful rest of Spring, dear!

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  11. There is so much to love here, including you! The earrings are gorgeous but like you I get tired with heavy earrings on so I don't wear chandelier earrings much, despite loving the look of them. Your blouse and jeans looks so comfortable and also have a chic simplicity. I did not mistake the camisole for your skin-lol but I did wonder if it was meant to show or not, since the ivory colour is reminiscent of underwear. I would suggest a blue might look more intentional. The shoes are cute and I am developing a desire to turn my little beige sneakers into something fancier. I am familiar with the name Cole Haan, and I have read that the shoes are very comfortable though I've never seen any in my area. I have never felt the desire for a trench coat and they don't feel right on me but I agree that coloured ones are fun. I bought a bright pink one on major discount in whatever town it was I was in for that soccer tournament. Tuquilla perhaps? Anyhow I ended up giving the coat to one of my students, quite impulsively but never regretted it. Even in a lovely colour I don't feel right in a trench. I'm more the anorak type. This green one looks fantastic on you though!
    xo

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    1. I will have to buy a blue cami, I still don't have one! :) It was not intentional - the jeans sit pretty low, and I only saw the ivory bit on photos on computer.

      It sounds like it might be Tukwila - there is a big mall there, so it makes sense! The amusement park is in Federal Way though, and it is very close to where I live. If you were here not earlier than 7 years ago, we could have met!!! What a crazy thought, huh? :)

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    2. Yes, it's funny to think of the people we may have walked past on a city street when we didn't know them. My parents are pretty sure they did that in Vancouver before they ever met in the town where we all live now. It's not that they remember seeing each other, but that they know they were in the same area at the same time.

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  12. Sometimes it's the most casual outfits that are the most pleasing. I love stripes and that style of jeans, then combined with your gorgeous earrings and green trench, it's a perfect combination for casual chic. XXOO

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    1. I agree, Jean - it all depends on the mood we are in, as I see it. This simple outfit did not feel boring at all. :) Thank you for stopping by, gorgeous lady!

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