Sunday, January 11, 2015

Just Keep Playing


I look almost like I know what I'm doing on these pictures. I promise you - I don't. I just keep playing with the clothes and accessories I like - some of it works, some of it doesn't. This time, I think, it worked pretty well. And I usually don't over-think my outfits - they all are born in just a few minutes. Very rarely I would plan an outfit for the next day. Well yesterday I actually thought I would wear a new dress (it's so cool and sexy) for another play Justin and I were going to see today. Good plan. Except that just the thought of wearing it on a drizzly gray day gave me shivers. I wanted something cozy instead. That other dress can wait. I thought that I haven't worn this set much (what looks like a sweater dress is actually a sweater+skirt set), so I decided on that.


I bought a few new accessories on post holiday sale recently, and wanted to wear some of them. Some of my most favorite of the new accessories are this pair of vintage inspired earrings. I have not done a post dedicated to  only accessories in my blog, but I think I might - there are some great pieces there. Anyway, I decided on navy blue tights and my high heel booties (can't wear any higher than this) first, and then started playing with adding different accessories to the "sweater dress". I have to say that I went far from the start, only one bracelet is left from the initial idea. In the process of accessorizing, I eliminated one cute fuzzy scarf (as you can see, I wear a fuzzy vest instead) and one necklace. I suddenly remembered one pretty interesting video about layering necklaces, and I've been wanting to experiment with it for a while. Here is the result. One necklace here is already sort of layered - I only added the short (practically a choker length) French necklace which was an antique mall find over a year ago. I really liked the result.



Here, I'm trying to show you my earrings, but I think we'll photograph them separately at some point, they are so pretty. I also bought this leather and rhinestones bracelet by Chico's in one of my most favorite colors, olive green, which in my opinion goes with practically everything. All these pieces are by Chico's - I really love their jewelry, some seriously talented designers work on them, and the quality is superb, I never had any trouble with their quality (unlike some other well known brands), and I can heartily recommend them.



I thought that I'm done with theater for a while, but then I started missing it! Justin was not surprised at all when I offered him to see a show. It was The King and I, the musical, done by a small theater in Burien called Hi-Liners, though the performance actually took place in Renton. All the actors were children! They did such a great job on it. The female lead was just wonderful, and the whole show was done with lots of heart, humor and is one of my most favorite of all the shows we've seen to date. Anya's improv teacher was the musical director. It was just a perfect way to spend this afternoon. Indian restaurant afterwards did not hurt either.



I sincerely hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are ready to start a new week, and of course, we can begin it with being Visible this Monday, yes? See you there!

Sweater+skirt - Lane Bryant
Furry vest - Chico's (old)
Accessories are also by Chico's, except my old favorite mother-of-pearl bracelet and a short vintage necklace
Pea coat - via Nordstrom (last year, but I believe it's still available online)
Booties - Aquatalia, comfy and water-resistant, found at Nordstrom Rack 2013
Tights - Hue
Clutch - Cole Haan via TJ MAXX (old)

Location - Renton

Linking with Patti's Visible Monday

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39 comments:

  1. You really look amazing and confident, my dear! I decided NOT to close down the blog, as I would miss you all too much! Blogging is a too big thing for me and emphasizes too many aspects of my life that are fab! So come back to my blog, a new outfit post is up, too!

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  2. well played!!!
    the earrings are really pretty - and they´r so you!
    mostly i go jewelry-less, because i´m picky about the design and allergic. but finding a piece that is special and beautiful is so fun - sometimes i create an outfit around such pieces......
    xxxxx

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  3. What a wonderful set it is! Indeed looks like a dress. I like your choice of accessories, the silver/golden layering of chains looks fantastic. And the vest is so cozy and warm.

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  4. You look confident and happy in these photos. The earrings are pretty. Of all things its the earrings I have the most trouble with when dressing, I've got so many pairs but the wrong shape makes or breaks an outfit.
    Love the layered necklaces and that fitted dress with the smart camel pea coat. xxx

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    1. What an interesting observation about earrings. Vix. I did not think that they can "make or break" an outfit. I'll pay attention from now on.

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  5. What a way to dress a dress! I love the vest pairing.. so sophisticated!

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  6. You look stunning Natalia. You played this very well gorgeous woman.

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  7. Wonderful, cozy look - the vest is amazing. Well-done, top to toe! Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xo.

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  8. I love those soft heathery shades on you, Natalia - and I can tell you like this outfit too! You look cosy but elegant too, perfect for this time of year. Gorgeous earrings and layered chains, and yes please, you definitely should show us some more of your accessories! Glad you enjoyed the theatre. xxx

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    1. There is something mysterious about these shades, kind of like fog, I guess.

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  9. I think you should trust your instincts when it comes to dressing, you're a creative person, after all: overanalysing would simply make you confused and frustrated, and your method of putting an outfit together seems to work for you. If it ain't broken, don't fix it... I hardly ever plan my outfits beforehand, either (really, who has the time?!?), on a workday I get dressed in 5 minutes, I may take 15 minutes if it's weekend... And you should definitely do that post on accessories.

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    1. You said something very insightful, Tiina. It's only when I stop and start thinking hard, I get confused. Otherwise, I live pretty effortlessly, trusting my instincts. You really helped me.

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  10. This is hands down one of my favourites ever! If I analyse that I think it is because it is simultaneously so you and yet there are elements of me. I would wear that sweater and skirt and love the colours! I love all the other pieces though don't feel they would feel like me if I wore them so I get to admire them on you. Mixing the caramel colour with the cooler colours of the skirt and sweater looks so right on you, as does a little bit of drama and glamour. Gorgeous, dear friend!

    I plan lots of outfits that I don't get around to wearing. I love the planning, putting things together and thinking oh that would look nice, but often they are a bit too much for just sitting around at home so it is my way of playing and storing up ideas for the time when I will want/need to wear a dress because I am going out. At home it is jeans and sweaters or casual skirts. Today it is a thick sweater, a long embroidered skirt and grey work socks. Accessories? Just the rings and earrings I always wear. I love your layered necklaces. I find I love this look so much and then cannot stand the feel of it on me. Again, I will be content to admire it on you instead!
    xoxoxo

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    1. Aww Shawna, you are so kind! And I agree - those are great colors on you, and the whole layered cozy aspect is also very you, with your kind of accessories you'd make this outfit wonderful in your own way!

      I also love creating outfits "on a hanger", sometimes I don't wear what I create. It's like sketching, developing ideas or playing dolls I suppose. :)

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  11. That's a really lovely outfit Natalia. I have a similar waistcoat with a fur collar which I don't wear often enough so will try it with with some different colour combinations.
    Trip to the theatre followed by curry sounds like a good afternoon out to me xx

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    1. I'm so very glad that it inspires and gives you ideas, Jayne! I can't wait to see what you'll create!!

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  12. Natalia, you have done it again with this oh so stylish combination. I so enjoy your blossoming confidence in how you style each outfit and your great taste in jewellery. I will look forward to that jewellery post.Justin is such a good photographer and shows each detail to perfection.

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    1. Thank you so much, Jill! Justin too was very pleased to hear a compliment! My blog certainly would not be as beautiful if not for Justin.

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  13. This look is great. I love how you matched everything and layered necklaces. Perfect from head to toe!
    xxxxx

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  14. Hang on...that's a sweater and a skirt? I looks like just a dress. I LOVE it! Winner look here. The vest and everything. Just gorgeous.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  15. You look amazing!!! What an amazing dress and sweater Natalia!x

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  16. You did an amazing styling Natalia
    The colors are perfect for you
    The camel color coat is gorgeous
    You look so stylish and confident in that outfit

    Arianexo

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  17. You always look great, especially in these colors with your hair. I love knits and it's really hard to tell that's two pieces.
    Inspired by you I've been filling up our social calender with lots of things to look forward to. A couple of weeks ago we went to Jet City Improv which was super fun. Even the 16 year old son enjoyed it. Next weekend we're going to see the Thunderbirds (Hockey) in Kent. Something we've talked about many times but are now finally doing it.

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    1. Joni, this is my favorite part! Thank you so much for mentioning it. I think it's great that the connections we are building in Bloglandia inspire us to do something new and/or different in our "real lives". We influence each other, support and encourage, and it is one of the very best of what blogging brought to my life. I am so thankful for what you've said here!

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  18. I really love that dress and I think I love the earrings but I can't see them well. And are your eyes green? They're stunning. I never saw them so close before.

    I like layering necklaces too, though I usually do it with thin gold ones, so I look all 70s disco. I even have one with my name in script.

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    1. They are green indeed. Thank you, Charlotte!! I too layered thin silver necklaces before, it's beautiful. I will give a link to a great video about layering chunky necklaces when I post about my jewelry collection.

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  19. Gorgeous!!!!! I LOVE this, you always are so flawless! so effortless! each piece of your outfit is sublime and works beautifully......and you got to go to the theatre and have delicious Indian food! I feel happy! although I really could do with some Indian food right now, oh how I love it! x x x

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  20. What a wonderful exemplar you are. I think that all your daughter's friends must think you're so glamorous because you are!! Perhaps she'll follow in your footsteps, but if she doesn't, she'll have a perfect example of how to be "true to yourself" in whatever her truth evolves into, something valuable for all of us. I WISH that the climate here would stay cool all the time because I love this kind of layering. This is when I'm happiest; you too? :-)

    An improv teacher? Lucky Anya!! Music and theater have always been a huge part of my life. ENJOY!!!

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    1. Well they rarely see me in such blingy accessories, mostly in my cozy home clothes, to tell the truth. But that's OK! :) Thank you for your wonderful words, Jean. Yes, I love mild weather when I can do some layering - it's my favorite, and it's one of the many reasons why I love living here. I thought of Summer just recently. While I love and miss sun and warmth, Summer fashion just does not inspire me. I have no idea what I'm going to wear this Summer... as always... :)))

      ps Anna pretty much takes art classes, dance lessons and acting, on and off, beginning from age 3. We do our best to support her in her interests. She is crazy about this particular class!

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  21. Natalia,
    I love this ombre sweater knit set, lovely on its own and WOW, with the vest!
    I am glad you enjoyed the King and I, it is a favorite of mine, too.
    Sorry I am so late catching up with posts, I was away!
    Glad to be home and reading your blog!
    xx, elle
    http://mydailycostume.com/

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    1. I'll be catching up with your adventures soon, my dear!

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  22. I really like these outfits! At the moment I'm really into knit dresses and this knit-combo really suits you well. I love the colours and the way you have combined it with brown vest and brown wool coat is really nice.

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    1. I guess these colors feel a bit too cool for me, so I intuitively warmed them up. :) Thank you, Rhia!

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  23. Oooh...I LOVE this combination, dearest Natalia!! How great that your striped sweater "dress" is actually two pieces; so many more options for different looks!! That fur-collared vest has me drooling...and your jewellery is truly gorgeous (I agree that olive green goes with pretty much everything!!) P.S. I've been meaning to mention your cute 'do, as well...makes me want to go really short and red again, too!! XOXO

    www.StyleIsMyPudding.blogspot.com

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  24. I don't think this outfit could get much better, Natalia. You just take all the rules for girls with curves, snap them in half and fling them out the window .... you look AMAZING! Great two piece sweater-dress ... to die for colors on you. Lovely wintry mix of color and texture. You just have mad skills, lady. Again, I learn from you and am inspired!

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