Monday, May 12, 2014

Spring Surprises


Even though I am enjoying my dresses this splendid time of year, I do wear pants now and then, and this outfit came out fun and colorful, so I though it's worth sharing. 

WARNING: 
More pictures than usual - of not just the outfit, but a fun day in a park and in antique malls.



I like how it has a bit of a 60s flair. The cheetah print jacket is a new addition to my jacket collection - I'll admit that jackets are probably my overall favorite clothing item. I know, it's hard to choose. But I have a soft spot for all sorts of jackets and blazers and have a few statement pieces which I have not shown on the blog yet. You can probably recognize the style by now - yes, this one is by Chico's again, bought recently on crazy sale  for $30 (originally over $100). I realized that thirty dollars is something of a personal borderline - if I really like an item, it is of good quality and its price is 30 dollars or lower, there is a very good chance it will end up in my closet. Do you have a price borderline?


What do I like about this jacket? I like that it's cropped, lightweight (made of soft cotton, I could wear it like a shirt in Summer), I love the animal print, and the studs make a fun detail.


It was fun to mix it with the top and pants from my closet which, oddly enough, though I've owned them for over a year, I haven't mixed together before, even though it's a surprisingly good combination as I see it now. I think I did not dare before - such a bright color combo would feel over-the-top to me a year ago. It doesn't now! I felt visible, but light and playful.



We hopped over to a couple of favorite antique malls this weekend. I wanted to show Justin this fun mid-century wall unit with ORANGE shelves, in amazing condition (about $700 they want for the two pieces). It makes me soooo happy to look at it! I imagine my collections of little boxes, or some fun pottery pieces, or my mini-collection of teapots/samovars... If only I had $700 to spare, it would have been mine by now. Lucky one who'll find it - I bet they will be over-the-moon with excitement! I am already sooo happy for them!


This cute vintage wicker bicycle (tricycle actually) is another great find which I can't afford - I forget how much, $500 or $600 they ask for it? It's a beauty and as I can see, also pretty rare - I have not seen anything like it before.


Everyone is probably familiar with this famous Polish pottery line. I have to say that this jar/pot is definitely the finest example of what I have seen. But $275 for it? Really? C'mon guys. But I can always photograph and admire it... for free. :)


Then we went to a local city park, one of nicest Tacoma parks which was redone recently. Spring is amazing this year - spectacular shows of blooming trees everywhere, in gardens, parks, in my own little garden! I don't remember SUCH a glory in my 7 years of living here. 



As we strolled around the lake, I noticed a less traveled road, not a paved one, a smaller graveled one, and took Justin there... On the way back from that wooded trail Justin noticed a coyote. As many of my readers don't live in America, I don't know how much you know about them, and so I included a link to a Wiki article about this wild animal. We've seen coyotes many times - one the beach where we used to live, on a road near the State park in our neighborhood. They don't seem to be dangerous, or aggressive towards people. They are blamed for missing kitties around though. But they look friendly and handsome (when well fed like this one seemed to be, giving that she lives in a park where people bring their picnics), just like a big dog. The coyote followed us from a distance, stopped if we would stop, went a little backwards away from us, but still looking at us with much curiosity. Maybe just like us, she saw people from a distance before, but never that close? Or she was on a look-outs protecting her babies hidden in a cove somewhere nearby? Or she hoped that we would bring her a snack? We don't know that, but she did not mind Justin taking some photos of her. After all, not every coyote ends up in a fashion blog!


Seven coyote pups. Source: Wiki article 



Cheetah print lightweight jacket - Chico's on clearance. Pants - Chico's (last year, clearance). Top and bracelets - Lane Bryant (last year, clearance). Shoes - Keds, Necklace - Magnabilities. Purse - Cole Haan.

Linking with Sacramento's Share-In-Style: Red!

34 comments:

  1. That's a very stylish coyote but I like your outfit best! ;-) I love the ikat top with the bright pants and I have to admit I would be hesitant to wear such a bright outfit but it looks so good on you, I may get there one day. Of course I want my pants to be purple. I love the pendant too. So pretty!

    What a lovely park and a great place to walk about and take photos. It's such a beautiful part of the world.

    That does seen rather pricey for the pottery, even if it is a good one. I find it so odd, now that I am old enough that items from my childhood show up in vintage and collectibles shops, and I see the prices they are asking. Often I think they are overpriced because the item was not anything special in its day. I love that pot, but I would not be able to justify that price.
    xoxox

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    1. I've just seen a samovar for $1500! Of course it was brass and antique, and in great shape, but still... :) Some day perhaps I won't pay attention to all those little numbers and just buy anything I like. :) But I am not there yet.

      Of course, Shawna, you will wear bright colors! Your art is soooo colorful and vibrant - I am sure you'll get there soon. Blogging is an amazing tool to gain confidence, to grow, to get stronger wings in life! It has been a mind-blowing experience for me so far. We learn from each other and inspire each other. Some day, we will be all we want to be! :) I can totally see you in purple pants. :)

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  2. Chicos is so spirited with prints and bold, fun colors. I can see why you like to shop there. It suits you well.

    I am drooling over that very retro wall unit. It reminds me of a piece that would be in a Palm Springs home in the sixties. And the wicker bike...love!

    I really like your jacket paired with thevred pant. You dont see this color combo often but chocolate brown and red looks great together. You wear it well :)

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    1. Thank you, Glenda, that's a great compliment from you! I see it this way - I put on clothes, I like it, I wear it. I really don't know much theory (colors, shapes etc) - it's all intuitive. Sometimes it's hit and miss. But it's fun! :)

      I think we're forming a fan group here for those vintage pieces! :)

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  3. loved this post Natalia! so sweet. Your outfit is gorgeous like your personality. Full of color and spirit. I have been feeling very similarly in terms of wearing things that you probably wouldn't have worn or paired together a year ago. I love the feeling of change. It is exciting to experiment with clothing!

    I was so surprised about the Coyote not being violent. I think I assumed they were dangerous to be around but it seems they aren't. Good to know in case I come across one. Loved all the garden/park images too :)

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    1. Well I really don't know much about coyotes in the wild, but here they live within the city, and there are no scary stories at all. Just missing kitties, alas.

      Change is wonderful. It can be scary, but even scarier to not change. Thank you, Feda! I always enjoy seeing your experiments with clothes - you are so extremely and wonderfully talented, such an artistic force!

      All the photos are by Justin, but I make collages (in an old-fashioned way - using Photoshop) and compose them in the post.

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  4. Very colorful outfit! Perfect for spring! (Тебе идет красный -- особенно с цветом твоих волос). Молодец!

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    1. Thank you, Oksana! I wear more red these days. Other than in my hair, I mean. :))

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  5. So much fabulous colour and print in one outfit, I love it! The little animal print jacket was an inspired choice to go on top of the red trousers and top. I just checked the exchange rate, and $30 is about £17-18 so that's pretty cheap. I rarely spend more than £10, but go up to £15-20 if some vintage piece steals my heart and can't be left behind! But I think a cut-off point is good, it keeps spending reasonable and under control.
    The park looks beautiful. I am a massive fan of urban parks, and love to see them looking gorgeous and well-used in good weather. Why should country-dwellers have all the flora and fauna?! I would be so excited to see a coyote, handsome creature. I highly recommend a book by Barbara Kingsolver called Prodigal Summer, which features coyotes - I think you would like it! We get plenty of urban foxes here, though I haven't seen one for a while.
    Always a pleasure to join you and Justin for a walk and a chat, Natalia! xxx

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    1. I am like you - a huge fan of parks and gardens. We are so lucky to have them in abundance here. :) Thank you for the book recommendation, Curtise - I will keep in mind.

      Glad that our sense of cheap prices is somewhat similar. I do buy more expensive clothes or shoes, if I absolutely LOOOOVE them. Which happens. So much love inside. So I find it everywhere. Hard to resist. :)))


      xxx

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  6. trés chic madame :-)
    you look like you go for a stroll on the beaches of south france!
    i rarely go shopping for clothes, even in secondhand shops because here we have only a few and not good ones in dresden, 45min with train away. but i collected some pretty, timeless vintage pieces when i lived in berlin, mostly "evening" stuff so they will reach me for long. if i can keep my figure ;-)
    even everyday clothes last very long on me, the good quality of most vintage and - ahem - my selfsewn stuff pays out here. that skirt from the tram post i wear since new years eve 2002/3 - sunken down from eventwear to everyday.
    if i would find a dream piece i would probably pay too much - but luckily i have my husband with me on most of my rare shopping trips. and he must have a polish horsetrader in his family ;-)
    is this ceramic pot a "bunzlau"? this polish town is not far away from here, you can find lots of the ware for cheap prices on fleamarkets and in thrift shops. i once bought a huge coffee pot from the 70´s - a unikat painted and signed by an artist - for 20€. people around here seem to dislike bunzlau.
    lovely coyote! around her the people are hysteric about some wolves - little red riding hood is greeting. i met this gorgeous animals in romania and i know there is nothing to fear if you are not a sheep without a shepherd.

    hugs! <3

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    1. I know what you mean, Beate - I used to make my own clothes (sewing, knitting...) back in Russia, and it was so much cheaper back then. Here though clothes is really inexpensive because there are so much of them, and sales are huge and practically constant! I feel like not buying for a while - want to have fun with what I've got! :)

      I can imagine how wonderful quality clothes is made by you.... And I sooooo want to see all of your vintage clothes collection!

      I can't remember the name of the pottery, but you are probably right. It's pretty common here, but I have not seen such a beautiful piece before - you can tell it was painted with heart. :)

      I'd probably be afraid of wolves... I tooo read Little Red Riding Hood! :)

      xxxxxx

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  7. A coyote! I have never seen one in 'real life'! they are so beautiful and regal but I think I would have been a little afraid though! I have thoroughly enjoyed this post! of course you look absolutely wonderful, orange is a great colour on you and the jacket is amazing, no wonder you had to have it, it's perfect on you! I adore it! I do have a borderline price too, its £10, it seems we all have our restrictions (which is probably a very good thing!) the photo's are stunning, the blooming trees are always a joyous sight and the antique malls hold some lovely treasure, the wicker tricycle is adorable (but very expensive!) ps I made borscht on Saturday from your recipe, it was uttelry delicious and has all been eaten! x x x

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    1. Thank you, Sandra - you are so sweet! Glad you enjoyed borscht!!! :)

      I would be afraid if I was on my own, perhaps, but Justin was with me. And I actually have never heard any scary stories, in all 7 years living here. So they are not too aggressive I guess! Or maybe they are well fed, who knows! :)

      xxx

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  8. Fantastic colour combination, Natalia. I love the red skinnies with the sassy animal print jacket and the Ikat top, a fabulously bright outfit. I bet you were the centre of attention! My limit is £20 if I really, really love something (like a 1960s silk dress I splashed out on at the weekend) otherwise £10 is the price I feel most comfortable with.
    How gorgeous is that Mid Century cabinet? I'd love it for my Sixties ceramics!
    Love that gentle coyote. What a dignified expression. We have a family of foxes in our garden, they'll hang around at dusk waiting for us to put out the cats' leftovers and they are very partial to jam sandwiches. xxxx

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    1. Family of foxes right in your garden - how sweet is that!! Jam sandwiches! :)))

      Thank you, Vix - sooo happy to hear that you find this combo fantastic. It's probably the craziest one I've ever worn so far! I loved it! I noticed at some point in the park that people were looking at me, and wondered why. (I am very naive and it's just how I am!) Then it occurred to me that I wore bright reds! :)))))

      You are a master of savvy shopping!
      xxx

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  9. I do love your bright outfit. I'm glad you have the courage to wear it now. I don't know why we all seem to think we shouldn't take up visual space? I also have a teeny tiny jacket fixation...see my "one for every day" post. Looking forward to seeing more jackets! What a lovely walk. I also drooled at the tricycle :-)

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    1. Tricycle is a cuuutie! I will come over to see your post!

      I loved it how you said that - "afraid to take up a visual space"... it's a very fine point! I know I have less fears now. More love. less fears. :)

      xxxx

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  10. Am I so late to comment ? Blame google+. Coyots look proud beautiful alimals. We don't have them in Mediterranean but have seen many cartoons. I haven't given much thought to this kind of jackets but they seem versatile and figure friendly. I will add as soon as I find one or two. Isn't it amazing that we have excellent wardrobes but we don't usually spend more than -in my case 6-10euro. I really enoyed your outfit today, so full of color and pattern!

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    1. Thank you so much, dear! And no, you are never late! :)

      I too think that cropped jackets are very figure flattering. I don't know why so many women think they aren't.

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  11. I WANT that wall storage unit! Wow. Spectacular!

    Those pants are gorgeous on you. You do bright so well.

    We had lots of coyotes in Alberta. Packs of them in fact. The photo you managed to get is wonderful.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Hey, maybe we can share expenses, buy this gorgeous wall unit and have it between us (a traveling wall unit! what an idea!)... :)))

      Thank you, Suzanne! Appreciate your comment - I am learning and it's important to me to hear from the masters. :)

      I wouldn't want to meet a pack of wild creatures... just one is intriguing and fun, but not a pack...

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  12. Natalia , I don't know where to start with this fabulous post. First, I love your outfit. I love the red ikat pattern with the red pants, and that gorgeous leopard print jacket. This is a stunning combination of color and patterns to my eye.
    I also love shopping at antique market. That mid century piece of furniture is really gorgeous. I love pieces like that I can hold all of my collectibles. I agree someone will be really lucky when they find it.
    I love this picture of the park flowers and a stunning flowers in full bloom. I must admit, however, that I would be afraid if I were to see a coyote as beautiful as he is. Great post, I really enjoy this.
    XX, Elle
    http://mydailycostume.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Elle! I was not afraid of one coyote, but then - I was with the mighty Justin, wasn't I? :)

      I am so glad that this combination works for your eyes too - I was quite happy with it!

      xxx

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  13. You and the gorgeous blooms look so happy and spring like. I am a huge fan of these bold colors on you. I love a wander through an antique mall but I agree that they tend to be overpriced and more just about browsing. I'd take that bike in a quick second. I used to ride Peetee around in a basket on my beach cruiser. It was fun.

    I grew up with coyotes in the canyons around where I lived as a kid and they are pretty wild mannered creatures unless they are in a pack then they can get aggressive. I can still hear them on the golf course at night killing rabbits, man that was loud.
    XXXOOOO

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    1. Poor little rabbits! No, I wouldn't want to meet with a pack of coyotes! I enjoy seeing one from time to time though. :)

      Thank you, Krista - I love bright colors, they seem to suit me the best nowadays. Aging? Maybe. Let;s just call it maturing. In every possible sense! :)

      xxxxxxxxxx

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  14. You look great Natalia, glad you shared this outfit. That wicker tricycle looks amazing and what a poser that coyote is :).

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    1. Thank you, Elsie, for stopping by! I know how busy you are! Can't wait for your new outfits! :)

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  15. Oh, those puppies are so cute! I love how you styled red with leopard, thank you for linking up. So today I learnt something new about coyotes!
    Baci,
    Coco
    Coco et La vie en rose / Bloglovin / Facebook
    International giveaway: win a sparkle made in Italy

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  16. I really like that jacket (I too love my jackets!) it's that print that has me smitten. And a day of antique window shopping sounds amazing. I hope you end up getting that cabinet, never say never!

    SDMxx
    www.daringcoco.com

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    1. Never say never - that's so true, for most parts. :) Thank you!

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  17. Wonderful in red, my dear Natalia.
    Tons of love ALWAYSSSSSSSSSSSS
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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