Seattle has so many wonderful nooks-and-crannies, and one of my favorites is the old trucks in Georgetown. There’s a lot with a bunch a vintage Ford trucks just sitting around – WAITING for some opportunistic fashion blogger to take advantage of the rusty bodies and bright colors (So I just couldn’t let those trucks down).
I’m also a huge fan of stripes right now – a little late to hop (back) on the striped-wagon, but they go with everything – red lips, florals, prints, bold colors, subtle colors…must I continue?
Now – let’s chat outfit. The sunglasses and necklace are from good ol’ H&M (but I like these sunglasses and this necklace too). The blazer is from Target (it’s old and one of my favorite pieces in my closet, remember when I wore it here and here), striped a-line top is from ZARA (similar here) and shoes are by Seychelles.
Photos taken by the lovely Chelle T., if you are in Seattle and need photos taken, contact her here.
xoxo
Natasha
Dear Diary is a series of blog posts that cover love, life and lessons learns. Check out more of Natasha’s Dear Diary posts here.
Recently a friend called me up crying – her long-time boyfriend had just ended things with her. Devastating. Anyone who has been surprised by the at-the-time love of their life telling them they no longer want to be together knows the feeling – actual physical pain from just a few words out of a certain mouth. So whoever made up the saying “…but words can’t hurt me” clearly hadn’t had their heart smashed into pieces.
And while I felt so much pain for her – and knowing exactly how she was feeling (because I’d been there not so long ago) – I also felt a small amount of happiness for her. Because I knew that she would eventually be OK – and even better.
I know what you are thinking – you evil bitch! But seriously – I felt a little joy for my devastated friend. This was her first real heartbreak – and while it is probably the worst pain she’d ever feel – getting over it is also one of the most triumphant battles she’ll ever face.
Falling in love takes courage – and above all, faith. And when that faith is broken – especially when you don’t expect it – you feel as if your world has been flipped upside down. I explained it to my friend using a pie metaphor (because I spend too much time in Excel during my day job). You’re life is a bunch of different slices of pie that make a whole – and after a break up, one of those slices (a big one) is all-of-a-sudden gone. And now you have a giant slice of pie missing that you have to fill.
So what the hell do fill this vanished pie slice with? Fill it with what you love – since that’s what you lost. Take it as an opportunity to focus on what you want to do with your life. And by figuring out what makes you happy – without a relationship – you’ll be able to be happy no matter who you are or who you aren’t with.
So let me return to the point I want to make: you’ll be OK. Everyone always says “Time heals all wounds” – but when you are in the middle of devastation it just sounds like Hallmark B.S. they found on the internet after searching for “What to say to a heart broken friend.”
But it’s so true. I’ve been in love twice in my life – and had my heart broken both times. But guess what? I’m happier than I’ve ever been. And when I look back on my past relationships, I’m grateful for what they taught me about myself and about what I want in my next relationship.
I’m naturally an optimist – so if you aren’t, you may be rolling your eyes at this point. Well let me put it more bluntly: you’ll get the fuck over this guy (or girl) and you’ll be able to look back in retrospect and THANK THE HEAVENS you aren’t with them anymore – because it didn’t work out for a reason.
So before you think about what you could have said differently after the break-up, or what you could do to get them back – stop yourself. Look forward. That’s the only promise there is – the future.
And pat yourself on the back – because you honestly loved somebody, and that on it’s own is an accomplishment. And now it’s time to love yourself.
xoxo
Natasha
It has been unbelievably beautiful these past few days in Seattle, so I decided to take advantage of the weather and head towards Lake Washington – the large lake that the city and suburbs surround (since Seattle doesn’t have beaches like Cali or Miami!). And then I spotted these gorgeous cherry trees – in full bloom – and I just knew that is where I wanted to snap my outfit photos (taken by the lovely Chelle Ticeson).
Enough chatter. Let’s talk about the clothes. Most of this outfit you’ve seen (like here and here) but the skirt is new (from Zara, similar here). I’ve been attempting to get my hair up in the perfect top knot/bun for quite sometime, taking note from one of my favorite fashion bloggers (check her knot out here), however I’m still in training. Stay tuned – maybe next time I’ll perfect the art of the top knot.
Also – quick note. I’m on Pinterest and Bloglovin – so if you haven’t already, follow me & drop me a line in the comments if you are on these sites as well (I’m always looking for new, fabulous people to style-stalk!).
xoxo
Natasha
It’s time for part 2 of last week’s photoshoot (see part one here). Another big shout out to Chelle Ticeson for the amazing photos, visit her Facebook page here.
The dress is vintage and modified (by me) – and I love the chain pattern that weaves it’s way all over the fabric. My lipstick in the first outfit is MAC Rebel, and in the second it is MAC Snob. Shoes in the second blog post are from ASOS (similar here) and the little neon bag is from H&M (old, similar here).
This shoot was so much fun – what girl doesn’t like playing dress up (not one reading my blog)?! The weekend in Seattle was also absolutely amazing and I took some time to head to Pike Place Market and pick up some flowers and ingredients for a lovely light summer dinner. I’m guessing it was sunny and gorgeous wherever you are – what did you do to enjoy the weather this weekend?
xoxo
Natasha
I’m very excited about today’s blog post (part 1). A good friend of mine who also happens to be a photographer offer to shoot me a few days ago (not shoot me dead, take pictures of me, duh) and of course I’ll never pass up the opportunity to have some professional pictures taken 
The blazer I’m wearing is a vintage find, the sleeves are sheer and there is bead detailing on the front bottom of the jacket. The peplum top is from H&M (similar here) and the accessories are from Nordstrom, H&M and vintage (check out this amazing gold clutch) The amazing metallic vamp shoes are from ASOS (but I like these too). I’m wearing MAC “Impassioned” lipstick.
I love Seattle. It is my home town, my rainy city, my playground. I grew up here & truly believe it is one of the great cities of the world. I mean c’mon – even in the wet rain Seattle is still breathtaking (note the Space Needle behind me, a landmark since the 1960s). If you’ve never been to Seattle – you have got to visit. And if you decided to visit, give me a buzz and I’ll give you some fashionable tips on who to see and where to go.
Stay tuned for part 2 of the photoshoot next week, and like my Facebook page to see all of the photos from the shoot, which will be exclusively posted later today. And if you need a photoshoot in Seattle – contact Chelle Ticeson for some amazing pictures!
xoxo
Natasha
Gingham is all the rage right now – and while at first I thought it looked like everyone was wearing tablecloths and picnic blankets – the trend has grown on me. And so here I am, sporting my favorite gingham button down tied up at the bottom (From Old Navy, old, similar here). The sport coat is one of my staples – it’s a steal from Target (but i like this one too) , and the sandal wedges are from J.Crew (similar ones here and here). The necklace is an amazing YSL vintage piece I got at a swap party
It’s a simple outfit – but sometimes the best ones are. I love mixing the plaid texture of the jacket with the gingham pattern on the top – getting dressed every morning is like an art. Since matchy-matchy styles are out – you have to find the right pieces to mix-and-match. Enough mixing without clashing – and sometimes I even get it wrong (but those pictures don’t usually make it to the blog!).
If it’s sunny where you are – I hope you can get out and enjoy the weather. If it’s raining, I’m sorry, and I feel you’re pain – I live in Seattle.
xoxo
Natasha
Blue on blue is all the rage right now, so I thought, why not try it with a dash of leopard? Plus, the sun has been peaking out in the early afternoons here in Seattle as of late, so midi-skirts are a necessity right now.
And let’s talk about vintage shopping for a quick minute. The skirt I’m wearing here is vintage – and something you may not realize is that many styles that are hot right now (peplum, midi-length, pleats, sheer) are not new styles – they are returning from past decades. And guess what? That once-hot-grandma is just GIVING her hot trendy-again clothing away to thrift shops everywhere! So I encourage you to head to your favorite thrift shop this weekend and try to find some amazing (and CHEAP) new clothes that fit right in with the latest trends!
The clothes, you ask? Oh, sure, let’s dive right in. The top is from ZARA (old, similar here ), the skirt is vintage (midi navy blue, pleated) and the heels are Matisse (but I like these and these). Jewerly is from H&M, vintage and Nordstrom. Belt is from Target (similar here ).
xoxo
Natasha
Hello gorgeous.
A quick personal moment before we chat fashion: I’ve realized something about men these past few months. Many of you may not know, I’m single and have been dating around for a few months – and it’s interesting to see how easy it is to actually figure out the basics on what guys are looking for. I’ve come up with a few things, a list if you will, of things most men want in a woman. Now, I’m not saying this list is complete or accurate – or that I possess these qualities (haha, no seriously, no) – but I’d love to hear your thoughts on if you agree.
Most men want [in a woman/relationship]:
xoxo
Natasha
By now, you’ve seen the trend: Peplum. And while it’s everywhere in print and online – it’s hard to find, buy and wear! So here are some tips on how to wear peplum:
Peplum Tops: Since you are already going to be walking around with a ton of volume around your waist – pair with slim bottoms. Try a pencil skirt or cropped skinnies. This will work for all body types as well, it’s universally flattering to cinch at the waist, puff out of the common “problem area” (and you know I love that puff!), then go slim again past the hips.
Peplum Skirts: Go simple. You’ll have to tuck in whatever you are wearing – and most likely, your top will need to be fitted and not billow out over the peplum on your skirt. So try a floral long sleeve tee tucked in if you have solid color peplum skirt (and go with solid tops if your skirt is patterened).
Now some of you may already be wearing peplum, and I want to know how you are working it!
Click here to tweet and tell me, How are you or would you wear peplum?
From Top: Thakoon Peplum Top, Alexander McQueen Peplum Top, Marc Jacobs Peplum Blouse, Peter Jensen Peplum Dress via ASOS
All peplum tops from ASOS and ASOS Curve
xoxo
Natasha
Didn’t win the Mega Millions Lottery? Me either. Don’t worry, your odds in this giveaway are much better…
It’s happening again! A fabulous Ann Taylor giveaway to start off the week – with a sold out piece worth $68. This beautiful gold layered cuff is accented with a strip of studded leather that fastens in the back. You can wear it alone, or stack it along with other bracelets.
Have a fabulous arm party, courtesy of The Chic Curve and Ann Taylor. Enter to win below, it’s easy and takes less than a minute (just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter):
**Note: if the widget doesn’t load refresh the page.
xoxo
Natasha
