Sunday, November 11, 2018

Back to September


Hello my dear friends and readers,
November has been a busy month so far, and to tell the truth I haven't even taken any new outfit photos yet. But I still have some unposted outfits from the past months, and why not use the power of our imagination, and instead of documenting what's happening right now, get into a time machine to travel a couple of months back?


 I adore this maxi dress. It is designed by Melissa McCarthy who used to have her own shop where she was selling her unique and quite recognizable designs, of which I own a few. But as of lately, her business is put on hold, as I understand, due to some disagreements with the management. I do hope that Melissa will find another way to do business in the near future - I've been always looking forward to her new collections. 


This dress, I found at a Goodwill Boutique over a year ago. If you're not familiar with the concept of Goodwill boutiques, check out your area - I heard of three nearby, but visited only one in Proctor, Tacoma. It is a smaller, well lit and organized, very welcoming little shop, with items that are only in great condition or even brand new, as is the case with this dress. I paid less than $20 for it (while the original price was closer to $150).


I remember seeing this dress on Melissa's website and admiring the beautiful floral pattern, but I had doubts about the dusty rose color. I've always loved this shade of pink, but I wasn't sure whether it would suit me. But I think that thanks to the large flowers in bold colors, it suits me just fine. The dress was also a size smaller than I usually would choose, but again, it fit me to a T, which is another confirmation that we shouldn't stick to preconceived ideas of what will or won't fit our bodies and our styles, and there is always room for experiments.


It was a sunny, but breezy weekend in late September, when Justin and I went on a walk along the shore and ended up at the local theatrical production (shout out to Tacoma Little Theatre!). So I paired my dress with a warm, but flowy reversible poncho, which offers many ways to wear it. (Previously shown in MARCH 2017 with another floral dress; in JANUARY 2017 with a fringed suede skirt; in OCTOBER 2016 with overalls; and in FEBRUARY 2016 with super trendy this season leopard print.) 


So what I've been up to these days? Oh so many things, really. We've been working on an evening exercise routine as a family, for the last couple of months. It goes really well, and I quite literally feel how step by step I build up my stamina (if you're interested to learn more about my experience, let me know in the comments, I'd be glad to share in the future posts). Ever since we set the clocks back a week ago, I felt challenged though. I really didn't think that it would affect me directly - after all, I don't have to get up early or at any particular time. But it did, and in the evenings I felt completely exhausted. It was also a busy week because we were cleaning/organizing the house, and I have finally switched my wardrobe to the Fall/Winter season. Typically, I do it in October, this year I'm a bit late. I haven't completed it yet, but the biggest chunk is done. I used vacuum storage bags for the first time, and I happily report that they do save a lot of space, so if you live in a smaller house, like we do, give them a try (I think I was able to shrink my summer dresses 3 times or more).


There are more things going on, but I will end my post here for now. Just a couple words about the purse I'm holding here. It's a faux leather purse which stole my heart with its delicate flowers when we traveled in Oregon last Spring. I bought it in a small shoe boutique on a blustery day in Cannon Beach, OR, and now it will always remind me of our trip.


Dress - thrifted Melissa McCarthy (brand-new via Goodwill)
Poncho - Pendleton (old)
Shoes - Dansko (last year)
Bracelet - Lane Bryant (old)
Purse - via boutique in Oregon
Clip-on earrings - vintage 

Linking with Visible Monday

22 comments:

  1. Natalia you look soo gorgeous! This dress is amazing, I love the colour and shaoe. ❤️ And it's a goodwill found!? Wow! Wonderful with this bag.
    Love to hear mire about your new family routine Natalia.
    I wish you a great week, with a huge hug Tina

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    1. Thank you, Tina! I wish I could find more wonderful things at places like Goodwill - but it is a challenge for plus size. Still, I am trying! :)

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  2. wowwww! what a beauty of a dress! love to see an elegant maxi. and the unexpected color suits you so well - especially with the tan/brown accessories - cute bag!!
    the earlier sunsets drained me - its not the clock. i think its natural that, after the harvest is in, we want take things slowly. and coping with colder temps need some extra energy too. lisbeth is compensating with wanting tons of food ;-D
    of cause i´m interested in hearing about your sporty routine!
    tons of hugs! much love! xxxxxx

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    1. Thank you, Beate! Yes, of course, you're right, it is earlier sunsets, less sunlight, colder temps... but when a clock is set back, it adds to the mix, and I really feel like it takes me a week or two to get used to the new rhythm, I feel really drained at first.

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  3. That is a phenomenal dress. I really love it when large women style for large women (I've been there). The neckline, pleating and large scale florals are beautiful on you. I'm happy to see your outfits even if they are from a few weeks back. Good for you on your closet switch, I'm always very s l o w with that! I'm glad I found your blog :).

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  4. Great buy. Isn't it amazing how much good, unworn stuff ends up at the thrift store. I was amazed in my last post that I actually, for the first time in 379 posts, wore an outfit where nothing came from the thrift store. It was a shock because so much of what I have does. It's a great way to have variety, not blow the budget and be kinder to the planet. You did so well. The dress looks amazing on you. Thanks so much for sharing!

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    1. Thank you! I am trying to find good stuff in my size at secondhand stores, but it is hit and miss for me. But I love thrifting, even if I shop mostly for home decor or collectibles than clothes. :)

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  5. What a stunning dress, Natalia, and you look absolutely gorgeous wearing it. How absolutely marvelous that you found it at the Goodwill boutique after admiring it on Melissa's website. Your little purse is very pretty too. Well done on completing your wardrobe changeover. I'm using vacuum bags too, and I would be lost without them, or rather, I'd be drowning in clothes ;-) Thank you for taking me along on your time travels! Lots of love xxx

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    1. Thank you, Ann! We don't want to be drown in clothes, that's for sure! :)

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  6. what a lovely dress and you look so fabulous wearing it!, and so lovely that you could find it second hand! and the accessorizing is brilliant!
    Vacuum bags look like a great idea, I have to try them!
    besos

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    1. Thank you, Monica! I can recommend those bags, they do save space!

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  7. That dress is absolutely beautiful on you, the coklour, the style, just everything. How lucky to find it in a secondhand shop - it was meant to be! xxx

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    1. Thank you, Vix! Sounds like a seal of approval from the Queen of Thrifting! :)

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  8. You look absolutely breath-taking in this dress! A vision of beauty! It's like this dress was meant for you. I believe it was destined for the two of you. The little bag you paired it with is so delicate and romantic, simply perfect for a dress like this one. Such a lady like and elegant outfit, very inspiring in every way.

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  9. This fantastic and feminine dress is as iconic as the wearer! Just beautiful and paired so expertly with that bag and cinnamon wrap, Perfect for a theater event and late September weather! You always bring your A game Natalia!
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

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  10. Oh Natalia, I love the look! You look so majestic in that dress - an YES, this shade of pink suits you very well! With the poncho you give the delicate dress of a duchess the perfect touch of boho chic! The colors also harmonize wonderfully - truly a very beautiful ensemble!
    Hugs and happy Sunday,
    Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2018/11/anl-35-nachhaltige-capsule-wardrobe.html

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