Friday, May 9, 2014

Not With Chalk, But With Soul...


My new dress arrived just a few days ago along with a few other things which I consider my gifts for Mother's Day. I told Justin that I don't need any other gifts (though I know Anya has prepared something). The best Mother's Day gift for me was always spending time with my beloved people. Often on this day, we would go for a walk in garden, have some treats, take beautiful photos... I still love this warm holiday this way - very intimate and quiet, just us. But since I was being naughty and got myself a few new clothes, I've decided that they would be my Mother's Day gifts - and that would be it. I am not buying any new clothes for myself any time soon. One reason is I got quite a few exciting purchases which will keep me busy styling, mixing and remixing for a while. Another reason is, we are trying to save up some money for a new adventure. It's a starting point. :)


This faux wrap dress was one of those things I wouldn't consider for full price (which is $140), but when I noticed it in a sale section of the web for only $30, I simply couldn't resist. Some customers complained that the collar was too high. Others complained about something else. I looked at it and decided that it's my colors, my silhouette, my cut, and definitely my price range, and if in any case it doesn't suit me - it's easy enough to return, so there is really no downside to give it a go. I loved it the minute I put it on, even before that - the minute I held the dress in my hands, I knew that we would become good friends! And I was right. 


The bag has a very special meaning to me, but I will tell this story another time. I think it's by an Oregon designer. I love everything about it - the shape, the colors, the design, and even more than all that - the message. It's precious. I think we all need a reminder like that in our everyday life. I know I need!



I styled my new dress in a simple way, with all my favorite bright green accessories in the spirit of Spring (and my green tights finally look greener than they usually do on photos!), and with my Rieker shoes with a vintage flair.



Anne of Spy Girl has this wonderful idea of a link-up right before Mother's Day - Wear Something Of Your Mom's, and I've decided to share my golden necklace with a pendant. The necklace was a gift to my Mom from her siblings, in honor of her anniversary (I can't remember which one - 40s probably). Mom grew up in a big family of 7 children, 6 girls and 1 boy, and she is the second oldest kid. So her sisters, knowing that Mom doesn't have her ears pierced and doesn't really wear rings or bracelets, decided on this beautiful, delicate golden chain, thinking that she'd wear at least this innocent little accessory. And I think Mom did wear it, but at some point, when I already lived in America, she gave it to me. On the other hand, I bought her this gorgeous Italian cameo pendant - a mother and a child, to mother from her child, how beautiful is that. I bought it here and brought it with me to Russia. I don't know whether my Mom has worn it or not, but the last time when she visited in 2012-13, she gave it back to me. :) So I consider both of these little treasures my family heirloom now, and will pass it on Anya some day.


And something else my Mom gave to me when I already lived in America. This pretty little notebook, filled with her poems. I read them now, and they make me cry and smile... I recognize myself in many Mom's poems - as sensitive and idealistic, as deeply feeling and altruistic, as much of a dreamer as her! Her name is Nadezhda which means "hope" in Russian (and when you see a name Nadia or Nadya, know that it is short for Nadezhda, or Hope). And Mom really lives her name. There is always hope in her, and always light, even in the darkest times. I would love to share some of her poems, but they all are in Russian. I think I will add them to Mom's web site (the history of the little village Tatarka on Angara River in Siberia where she grew up), but I cannot leave you without anything from this precious notebook, can I? So here are a couple of priceless lines about writing and the meaning it has to my Mom, Nadezhda Lialina, in my very humble translation -

It's time to get busy
To start doing what I was meant to do -
To write the words not with the chalk,
But with the soul given by gods.

My Mom used to be a teacher (and a brilliant one - people came to the school where she taught just to have an opportunity to have their children in Mom's class). But, like me, she always wanted to write.


My Mom, Nadezhda Lialina, at the Annual Tulip Festival at the Skagit Valley, Washington. April 2013


And here are a couple of shots of downtown Seattle from the ferry today. Just for fun!



Dress - Chico's. Cardi - Lane Bryant. Shoes - Rieker. Bag and jewelry - mix from different shops. Golden chain and pendant from my Mom.


And also, please, consider contributing to our talented artist Anne's project On The Edge: US part 2 and help to spread a word about it! Thank you!

PS Thank you, Sally, for mentioning this post in Lovely Links! What a wonderful surprise!!

27 comments:

  1. Lovely. I want a close up of the ring! Love the dress. Have one like it that I'll show you on Google+.

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    1. Charlotte, thank you! I will sure look at your dress. It flatters many figures, and I am sure you look stunning in yours! :)

      I wear this pretty bead ring a lot for almost 2 years already. I am really surprised how sturdy it is. I think I showed it a few times on my blog, here is one close up (closer to the end of the post) -
      http://inthewriterscloset.blogspot.com/2014/04/all-kinds-of-beauty.html

      I also have the same ring in red/orange/coral. :)

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  2. That dress is fantastic! I love the shape of it and it looks so amazing on you. I would not really have thought to put you in something black and white but this is pefect. The pattern of the dress is pretty and somehow seems both soft and feminine and yet also bold. It's great paired with the bright sweater and your mum's necklace. I loved your mum's poem! How wonderful to have a book of her poems! That's so special and inspiring, I think many teachers want to be writers. It's often something they are good at but they are also often very practical so they work at a career with a steadier pay cheque than poetry writing would bring. Have a lovely weekend, Natalia.
    xo

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    1. I am glad you liked my dress, Shawna! It's what they call espresso and ecru - which I consider a great warmer and softer alternative to black and white. And yes, that is exactly why I love this brand, for this contrasting unexpected combination of gentle and bold - I think it suits my personality so well... And once you hooked up on designs, you come back for many things to the store, including basics which they are also good it (turtlenecks etc). :)

      I would agree with you on that - I think so many people (including teachers, but not only them) are afraid of being unpractical and don't pursue their dreams of becoming artists until later in life. They don't teach us being bold and creative. They teach being safe and practical. :)

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  3. I am glad you ignored the dress reviews. You look great in it. It really shows your magnificent curves. This post was very precious. My mom passed away many years ago, so Mothers Day is tough for me. My hubby and sons always make it nice for me, but there is always a sadness..I want to wear her jewelry more, but I am afraid of losing it.
    Happy Mothers Day!

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    1. I am trying to make sense out of review, and sometimes I learn important things (like "run small/run big" stuff, easy/troubled care etc), but very often reviewers would put their own personal preferences about design and make it somehow sound like a flow that the designer did not think of their personal preferences, which is not especially helpful in a review... Like in this case the fact that the collar is high - I actually LOVE it this way, and there are plenty of dresses with low collar around. :)

      I am so sorry for your loss, Glenda, it is very very sad. Mu Mom's mother died very long time ago, when Mom was only 20. And I know that it was one of biggest sadness in Mom's life... If my grandma lived longer, she'd meet her 13 grandchildren! But she only was able to see the very first one.

      I am so happy that your husband and sons make this Day brighter for you. Happy Mother;s Day, my dear dear friend!

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  4. What a beautiful post and beautiful mother you have. She looks so great with her hat and fur coat and so stylish like you! And by the way, you look radian today with green. Natalia, how great that you can get away with colors like that due your pretty rosy complexion. I could never wear that shade of green near to my face. I look anemic…lol.
    xo
    Carelia
    Mysmallwardrobe.com

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    1. You know what I find interesting? The colors which I really love look great on me! The ones I am not that fond of don't look so great on me (pink for instance). What is it, I'd like to know! :)

      Thank you for the compliments, and especially about my Mom, Carelia! I always am soooo happy to hear from you. :) xxx

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  5. The prose is so exquisite and inspirational. The photos that you capture are just splendid and captures the essence of both the places in the people. I love your outfit and I can understand that you would want to put the clothing buying on hold for a bit. It is amazing how just a few new pieces, can refresh a wardrobe, and can keep us busy as you say, mixing and matching. I do love this outfit on you this print dress is very subtle yeah very chic. Have a wonderful Mother's Day Natalia!
    Kisses, Elle
    http://mydailycostume.com

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    1. Thank you, Elle, for your wonderfully thoughtful comment! I accumulated so many new pieces during the last year - I don't even have time to wear or remix some. I now want to have great time doing it! :) Hope you had a beautiful Mother's Day! xxx

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  6. What a lovely dress, Natalia, the shape and styling is just perfect on you, so very flattering. And the green accents are beautiful.
    I know you and your mother are very close, and that is something to treasure, along with her gold chain, the cameo you gave her, and her book of poems. What a gorgeous photo of her with the backdrop of tulips! I am quite sure that Anna will grow up admiring, respecting and loving your talents and qualities, just as much as you do those of your mum.
    Happy Mothers Day, Natalia! xxx

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    1. Thank you, my dear dear Curtise! I find that there are times when we get closer with my Mom, and times when I probably take her for granted. I am now at such a period of my life when I really appreciate my family - the one where I grew up and the one I have now as a grown woman. My family is the most amazing treasure I have - Mama, Papa, Andrei, Anya and of course Justin. We are a great family. Hugs to you!

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  7. What a fabulous dress Natalia, it's perfect for you, no wonder you couldn't resist it in the sale. It looks great with the green too and I love your bag. Lovely photo of you mum with the tulips. It's always nice when things like your bag and necklace have a story and special meaning. Happy Mothers Day xx

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    1. Thank you so much, Jayne! I will tell a story of this purse for sure... It was such a vibrant day in the field of tulips - many great photos from that day. Mom is so happy on this one. :) Hugs!

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  8. Beautiful dress! Мне понравился рисунок и длина -- очень тебе хорошо. Была в Сиетле лет 9 назад -- очень красивых город.

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    1. Thank you, Oksana!! Так приятно, спасибо за добрые слова! Сиэтл и правда прекрасный город! Обнимаю!

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  9. this is soo lovely!
    the story of your necklace is really heartwarming. your mother must be a gorgeous woman - and talented writer. now we know from where you got it :-)

    the new dress is a stunner on you! always love your outfits with (my fav color) green. cant wait for the story of the bag.....
    hugs & kisses

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    1. Danke schoen, Beate! (WOW! I actually miss Deutcsh! I used to loooove it!) I will tell the story of the purse, it's definitely worth it. I will tell my mama about all the sweet and kind words she received here on my blog. You guys just continue AMAZE me - with your sincerity and kindness. Sooo happy we met! :)

      Hugs and kisses to you too!

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    2. nicht schlecht dein deutsch ;-)
      xxxx

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  10. That dress is glorious on you, it shows off your spectacular figure and I'm drooling over the bag and the gorgeous illustration.
    That cameo is wonderful, what a beautiful heirloom for Anya to inherit in the future.
    I love that you and your Mum are so close, that's a lovely photo of her amongst the tulips. So many take having a mother for granted. xxx

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    1. Well, I am 40, Vix! I actually have gray hair! I think I learned a thing or two by now, like appreciating my amazing parents. :) Actually, we always had great relationship - I didn't want to leave them till I got married. :)

      Thank you for your compliments, they mean so much to me! I am getting more and more confident and FREE every day... xxxxx

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  11. Natalia, you have done this dress justice. It looks so beautiful on you and you accessorize well. Love the bag!!!

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    1. Awwww thank you, Elsie! It's a fun month for wearing dresses! :)

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  12. You are stunning in this dress honey! I think the bag is beautiful too and I adore the meaning of it. I'm glad you had a nice Mother's day and spent time with the family. I loved seeing and hearing about your own Mom. I think to have such a personal item of hers like a poem book, is a real treasure. Thanks for sharing some of her wisdom with us. I must say Seattle is looking pretty gorgeous too, but not compared to your Mama in that field of tulips.
    Lotsoflove
    xxxxxxooo

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    1. Oh my dear, such lovely compliment to my Mom! She'll be so happy to hear all about your kindness! :)

      Let's meet in Seattle! :)

      Lots of love to you also, always! :)

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  13. Such a beautiful post Natalia! your words are beautiful to read and your outfit equally as chic and stunning on you! I love love this dress on you! I do not believe in coincidence so I'm sure our connection with the Anahata bag was divinely brought together to help us both and have a laugh about it! I think I needed to come read this post and see your mom's beautiful poem. It truly is a time to stop thinking and start doing in my life and I'm sure this message is ringing true for both of us! XO

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    1. There is something completely amazing in it! I too believe that we needed and really wanted to find each other and such inspiring words (my Mom's words meant to much to me when I rediscovered them this time)... Time to start doing, dear! xxx

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