MY RED VALENTINE'S DAY DRESS

Hi everyone, hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Today I would like to share you with something about me that I have never said on the blog before.  My husband and I don't believe in Valentine's Day. We don't buy each gifts, he doesn't bring me flowers nor do we go out for romantic dinner on that day.  

We both have quite strong feelings against the notion of being commercially forced to feel romantic towards each other.  We have other ways to express our feelings towards each other.  If you are my regular reader, you might recall my mentioning our tradition to celebrate our wedding anniversary every month by giving each other small gifts.  

Actually, it is my husband who buys me a gift every month without failing, I am more on the receiving side of it and my gifts are more sporadic.  I struggle to come up with an idea of what to buy for him.  And even though he is an avid reader, since I got him an E-book, buying a new book is not an option any more.  Anyway, he doesn't seem to mind taking pleasure in spoiling me, saving the special gift for actual date of our nuptials.

However, if we do decide to celebrate Valentine's Day and go out for a romantic dinner, this is the outfit I would be wearing, starting with this red vintage dress from Lanvin with deep drapes which create multiple folds softly cascading down the front.  I like the folds to be off centre and to one side so with the help of a brooch I gather the fabric around one shoulder thus making the dress looking slightly asymmetrical.

I wanted to clear away from the expected "red dress, black shoes and handbag combo" and put on white shoes but somehow it didn't work; besides, my black shoes have red soles which is the colour of the Day.  As for accessories, since the brooch is encrusted with tiny white pearls so were my ring and a pair of earrings.

A quilted purse size bag from Chanel completed my look.

I am wearing

A dress - Lanvin

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

Handbag - Chanel

Have a great week

Anna
xoxo

IF YOU LIKE MY LOOK, HERE ARE SOME MORE IDEAS  THAT YOU MIGHT LIKE 

NAVY IS THE NEW BLACK OR WHAT I WORE TO THE OPERA

Hello everyone and welcome to my blog.

I had to do a double take when I came to the office this morning and saw that it was the 1st of May on my calendar.  Unbelievable, how fast time flies.

My husband and I are big lovers of classical operas and ballet and are quite regular patrons of the Sydney Opera House.  We went there last Saturdays to listen to Elgar's cello concerto performed by the extremely talented lady named Harriet Krijgh. When I read in the program that she was playing the instrument which was made in 17th century and when her bow touched the strings, the hair on my neck stood up in admiration because that cello sounded heavenly.  I am sure it could also be attributed to the skills of a performer, no doubt.

We are so lucky in respect that both of us love classical music and are able to enjoy it together.  During our travels to Europe, we always try to book tickets for a classical performance at a local opera house.   

"I LOVE THE WAY HOW EUROPEANS GED DRESSED FOR THE OPERA"

I love the way how Europeans get dressed for the theatre, no jeans and sneakers, it is all about old school - silk dresses and pearls on women and tuxedos for men and that is another reason why I was looking forward to experiencing again the magic of the theatre with great anticipation.

When I was a little girl growing up in Ukraine, there was not much to watch on TV except educational or art shows and it was then that my passion for ballet was fostered.  My parents were extremely supportive and made sure that I wouldn't miss a premiere of a new ballet at our Opera and Ballet Theatre.  I had an auntie who lived in Moscow and every time I visited her, she would manage to score me a ticket to the Bolshoi.  

I still feel nostalgic remembering the grandeur of the building's architecture, the red carpet covering the marble staircases, the deep plush chairs upholstered in the deep red velvet, the gilded woodwork running along the balustrades and colonnades and the burgundy colour and gilded tassels of the stage curtain.  

I love our Sydney Opera House, it is one of the most iconic buildings in the world but I find it slightly too modern for me and although most people make an effort and dress nicely, the others simply don't care.  As for my husband and myself, we belong to the former and dress smartly for the occasion, which brings me to today's outfit which I wore to the cello concert I mentioned earlier.  

 

Although it looks like a suit, both pants and the jacket are separates with a common thread that ties them together.  If you look closer, you might see a satin stripe running over the side seam of the trousers (previously worn here).  The same satin fabric is used for a pleated belt simulating the classic cummerbund of a tuxedo.   

I wanted to step away from the traditional black and wore a dark navy jacket instead for a colour injection into the black monotone and making the whole outfit not look overly formal (you might remember seeing me wearing it previously here) but The other reason I chose it was that the lapels are covered in the same black satin as the stripes of the pants thus making them look like an easy version of a tux suit.

The top I wore is from Zara, just a simple sleeveless lace top that I tucked in to show off the belt.

My shoes are classic black patent LV pumps worn previously here.

And I couldn't help but add the red lipstick for a colour-pop.

Have a great week

Until then

Anna

xo

Linking up with A Pocketful of Polka Dots, Style Splash, The Pleated Poppy, Nancy Fashion Style

WHITE LACE BLOUSE WITH BLACK & WHITE FLOWER PRINT PENCIL SKIRT

Hi everyone,

Traditionally, the term eclectic style is applied to the world of design and its philosophy is as simple as this: “To combine elements or particular styles from different time periods and different origins in a harmonious fashion”.

I think I could, to some extent, say the same about my personal style.  If you have been following my blog, you will notice how many different looks I came up with during my two years of blogging.   There is, however, a common thread that can be easily spotted and that is, as much as I like a casual and relaxed style of clothing such as jeans, jogger pants, t-shirts and sneakers for day-to-day general activities, I equally like to dress up for an occasion and that includes high heel shoes, nice hand bags, elegant blouses, pencil skirts and pretty dresses. 

And the occasion for this post was an outing to the Sydney Opera House to hear Lang Lang playing the piano.  My choice for the night was a delicate white lace top, a pencil skirt with a flower pattern and a pair of black high heeled classic pumps.

Looking at my two previous posts (ripped raw hem jeans and Military jacket) and comparing them with the one you are reading now, proves that what I said earlier about my eclectic taste, which in turn, defines my unique personal style. It also shows the impact of how different styles of clothes can change the way we in which we perceive other people and how through clothes, you can express yourself and your unique style and personality.

When it comes to define my personal style, I would say “My style is what makes me look good and feel confident".

And in order to be able to say and feel this way, you should have a good knowledge of your body shape, skin complexion, hair colour and other physical attributes that will help you to determine what works best for you and forge your own unique style. 

It does not happened over night but it is rather an on-going process of trial and error and you should not be put out by the challenges that might come along.

Blouse:  Asilio

Skirt:  Zara

Shoes:  Christian Dior

Surely, as life goes on and our body changes as the years go by, our style of clothing changes with it, but whatever defines your ”personal style”, your unique sense of fashion will remain unchanged.

Please remember that nobody’s perfect and I would not waste a minute of my life trying to be otherwise, however a healthy diet, the right amount of exercise and general well-being are key factors in feeling well and looking fabulous.

Until then,

HOW I STYLED FLORAL PRINT SKINNY PANTS

Floral printed pants are very trendy right now.  They are sexy and chic and extremely versatile as they can be worn with all different kinds of tops, shoes and accessories.  Their versatility ranges from a stylish office-appropriate dress replacement all the way to summer parties when you don’t feel like sporting a dress.  Whether you are after a boho, sport, street smart or chic look, floral pants could be found in every fashionista’s closet. 

I chose a pair of slim cut pants with a mid-rise (no muffin top) and slightly cropped bottoms that fit straight at the ankle, so they are great with pumps and flats alike and could be worn any time of the day for different venues and various occasions.  

And that is what I always look for when shopping for a new piece of clothing – its adaptability and versatility.  I love mixing and matching and before I pay for my new purchase, I always try to imagine how many outfits would I get out of it.  If the number is greater than two, I part with the money.

Handbag:  Chanel (I wore it here)

Cuff:  Hermes (I wore it here)

Surely, not all items in the wardrobe could be or should be worn anywhere anytime.  We need special clothes for special occasions and events but when I shop for a day to day clothing I always imagine how many new outfits will it help me to create and when I can come up with more than two, then I buy it.

There are so many awesome and creative ways to wear printed pants this year. For day-time life, I love to wear them with flat mannish like shoes or sneakers and a t-shirt or a simple blouse or a neutral slouchy sweater for cool summer nights.

For something more exciting, I prefer a sexy chic and sleek look and that’s when a pair of classic black high heel pumps with a silk elegant top come to rescue.   And don’t forget about accessories – a statement cool bracelet, a cute hand bag or eye-catching earrings would add quality and volume to your outfit.

If you like this bright and colourful trend but are not quite confident to plunge into it head first, choose the prints in subdued soft pastels or neutral colours; and when you feel more confident, you can always add colour and spice to your outfit by wearing a bright top, a pair of killer shoes, some eye catching jewelry or just brightly painted lips.

Street Look

Pants - Glassons, shoes - Christian Dior, handbag:  Chanel (I wore it here), hand cuff:  Hermes (I wore it here), Earrings:  Swarovski, top - Zara.