Style as Expression of You, Not You as Expression of Style

Oddly enough, I first started learning about pattern mixing, layering and all that stuff from interior decorating books and magazines (one of my passions for years). You probably know that I grew up in one of the coldest places on earth - Siberia, and back then (up till I was in my late 20s when I immigrated to a warmer climate) dressing in layering was what we did for survival, not for fashion. We did not call it "layering" though. It was as simple as put on an outfit (a skirt+top or a dress in most of occasions), and that was an outfit, and then, on the top of the outfit or as an addition to an outfit, you put layers and layers for warmth:

- tights

- something we call рейтузы in Russian (they would be made of wool or acrylic, or a mix)

- sometimes also legwarmers

- sometimes a few layers of one or each

Siberian Winter

This winter is not very typical for Siberia. (And yes, Siberia is an enormous area - so there are a lot of variations in the climate.) Typically, we would get a lot of snow in the winter time. But not this year. There is not so much snow, and my parents worry that their vegetable garden will not survive the winter very well. Here is the hope that snow is on the way, and all the trees and bushes will be nice and warm under a snow cozy blanket (well, it is cozy to them!).

My "Uzbek" Dress: Part 1

Part 2 is here.

I was playing with my clothes recently, trying to find a way to combine pieces which I added to my wardrobe this year to the pieces which I have owned for a while. One of the most challenging pieces in my wardrobe, I found, was this beautiful Ikat dress which I purchased over a year ago, but had no success styling until just recently.

Not Your Common Pea Coat & Colorful Life

The thermometer is slowly going up here in Seattle. It shows 38F  today and supposedly will be in 40s by  tomorrow. Yey! Aren't you guys happy for us, Seattleties? I do hope so! I am Russian (even worse - Siberian) and I am soooo happy for all of us here. Let me tell you, in the past few years I completely forgot (lucky me!) how to dress for cold. I mean, I do remember it theoretically. Wake me up in the middle of the night - and you'll hear a coherent lesson about what to wear in freezing weather, it is our specialty as Russians (especially Siberian or Northern folks). So my brain still remembers. But (and that's a big but!) my body did forget! It completely forgot what layers mean, what kind of layers, how many layers... and how does it feel to come inside after a short walk in freezing temperatures and watch with amazement how your body just crashes becoming something jelly-like very fast.

Online Style Party: How I Wear My... Red

Jill of Everything Just So and Adrienne of The Rich Life on a Budget co-host what I call an "online party" on a monthly basis. I learned about it just recently, and absolutely admired the idea (one of my favorites is How I Wear My Animal Print from October 2013). It is inspiring to see so many wonderful women around the world doing fun stuff with their personal style! The theme of December was How I Wear My Red, and I've decided to participate for the first time. Please take a look at all the photographs at both Jill's and Adrienne's blogs:

How I Wear My Red at Everything Just So

and

How I Wear My Red at The Rich Life.

Winter Teal

We have freezing temperatures here in Seattle for the last few days. It was 37F (just above 0C) during the day, and it is in 20sF (below 0C) at night. I don't know about you guys, but I am wearing my down parka these days and only think about being stylish. Oh no. Please don't make me answer this question... again! I live in the US for almost 12 years now. Just how many times do you think I heard this question in the past?

Well, just once then. But that will be it!

Fisherman's Jumper

Cable knit jumpers (or sweaters) are trendy once again, though they have never actually fallen out of fashion - they seem to become a timeless classic, much like jeans or a little black dress. 

Batik and Bougainvillea

Justin and I went out for lunch at our favorite Indian restaurant, and I knew I wanted something colorful, rich, detailed, balanced and sophisticated... just like Indian cuisine! And without a doubt, this is the best Indian food I've tried! (Check it out if you live nearby - East India Grill.)

Fiery

It was a windy, but sunny Sunday a week ago. I found something looking as a folded wool blanket in an antique mall the day before. We call such cozy blankets плед -- plaid -- in Russian, and the most common pattern would be tartan, or plaid. :)

Feminine Shine, Clogs & Frogs

The Feminine Shine Utility jacket by Chico's was one of those items which sell fast. It's pretty unique and got my attention right away. When I found it on a 40% off rack in a store, it was the only one of this kind with all sort of other jackets, and just like a little girl, I made a wish that it would be in my size. :)

Russian Platok

In every country and every culture in the world, women traditionally wear shawls, scarves or headscarves which serve us as both unique accessory and warm cozy clothing item. In Russia, we have a few traditional types of scarves or shawls which we call ПЛАТОК (platok) one of them being the gorgeous colorful shawl traditionally made in Pavlovsky Posad, a town just 68 km (42 mi) East of Moscow. 

Le Rouge et le Noir, Naturally!

When, after a long mostly quiet period, while we were wearing neutral, "safe" colors, we suddenly choose a piece like this gorgeous boiled wool jacket in "Sultry Red", it makes a statement to the world and, most importantly, to ourselves: I am me, but I am a changed me.