Boho Military Chic in September

 

Hello my style tribe,

There are four photo shoots from late September through October which I haven't shared with you yet. A bit out of season, but I figured that better late then never! So I'll pick up just where I left, when late Summer barely started transforming into early Fall, and I was eager to wear this fabulous trench coat by Altuzarra for Target. 

Not being a big expert on fashion, I wasn't even familiar with the name. But the stylish trench almost jumped out of my computer screen when I was browsing on a second hand website one day. Nothing went amiss: the unusually feminine silhouette with traditional trench design, the black sleeves (rock on!) combined with military green color, the amount of thoughtful detail and 100% cotton fabric. Apparently, Joseph Altuzarra is a big deal (items sell for thousands of dollars). Collabs with big stores are usually not too expensive though, so we can get a high fashion name for a low price. There was a collaboration with Target a few years ago, and (fun fact!) beautiful Kerri Russel appeared in this very trench. Kerri played a Russian spy in the fascinating TV show The Americans along with her charming and talented husband Matthew Rhys - actually, that's how they've met. Back then, I've just watched the show and became such a fan.

So you should understand how excited I was to find this trench in a new-like condition (I think there were still tags attached if I remember it right). I wore it a few times since then, even just for going on a walk. It's very versatile and will dress up any casual outfit. But it wouldn't be me if I didn't take it up a notch and wear with something less expected, like boho.

Semi-precious stones became a bit of obsession of mine for a while. I don't remember whether I've already talked about it here on the blog. I found a few silver vintage pieces made in USSR, the amber ring I believe is from the 1960s. The purple stone is Charoite, rock that was found only in Siberia, on the River Chara, east of the Baikal Lake. If you'd like to learn more about this unique stone, I found an article in English HERE. If I understand it right, they do not mine charoite these days, so I am not sure where all these inexpensive modern day silver jewelry get their rocks from (perhaps, artificially grown). I took my ring and earrings to our jeweler, and he confirmed that they are real charoite. The earrings come from a set with another ring, which was too small for me. I gave the smaller size ring to my daughter - she loves purple, she loves silver, and she is mad about minerals.

The bracelet is a gift I was given many years ago (close to 20), and the rocks are jasper from Russia as well, made by an American craftsman. The two rings on my other hand are absolutely unique - they are custom made for me (bespoke in the truest sense of the word - there are no other rings in the world like these two). Both are Justin's gifts, made by our talented friends Underhill Jewelers, a husband and wife team Paul and Yeun. They are not only skillful and creative, and will work with you on the design that makes your heart sing, but also very kind and fun people to work with. The purple rectangular ring is Calcedony (article HERE) and two small ones on the sides are garnets. It was inspired by a ring I've seen, but Paul not just recreated it - he made it his own. The green oval ring is Aquamarine, and Yeun created a few custom designs to choose from. I loved the one with ocean-inspired details. Both rings are silver with some gold details. I love that they both are chunky, heavy and whimsical, but one is more streamline and somewhat minimalistic, while another one has intricate design. They go well together, combine with my other jewelry, and most important they reflect my personality.

 

For the rest of the outfit, you could recognize the 100% heavy lace skirt (previously shown in SEPTEMBER 2018) and secondhand embroidered velvet purse. The green blouse is also cotton, bought some time ago, but wasn't worn yet. The boots are by Born, love wearing them with many of my outfits - so comfy and bohemian! Flowers are courtesy of Mother Nature. Photos by Justin.

I've missed you, guys!

The next outfit post is coming soon!

XO

Natalia