The Russian Invasion

The U.S. Harper's Bazaar May issue has a great story of "The Red Queen", i.e. Ulyana Sergeenko, a Russian fashionista, the wife of a Russian insurance billionaire, and new couture designer with two collections under her belt. There are a few Russian ladies that have become very influential in the fashion circles, not least because they have seemingly limitless budgets to actually buy the clothes from the shows in Paris, New York, London, Milan. They make a number of outfit changes for the various shows and don't mind being photographed, but in fact invite it and dress accordingly with amazing style and drama. Seeing the "street style" photos from the shows is an integral part of the whole show landscape, as much as the actual runway collection... These Russian ladies, including Sergeenko, Miroslava Duma, Vika Gazinskaya, and others, are fun to watch - but I especially like Ulyana Sergeenko's style. She is the real Russian Drama Queen, an original who dresses like she's on a movie set - a Russian movie to be sure. I love the Russian style influence, the glammed up "Babushka" style with signature flawless red lips and cat eyes. Not necessarily a style to copy to the T, but definitely entertaining to follow and certainly a style that can give you ideas to elevate your own game...

Pattern

It's finally warm enough to wear these blue dot print pants. The material is light and summery, perfect for warm spring days. I am always happy when I get a deal, and these pants were a deal if ever! $10 from H&M - can't go wrong with that, and anyway I don't like to overspend on trendy items.. I even got a compliment on the first day on these pants, gotta love it! The white shirt is from Anthropologie, espadrilles are from Tory Burch, and bag Hermes' Evelyne.

Quick Getaway

Went for a quick overnight trip with hubby, testing how the kids survive without us for a night, and whether we would even know what to do with ourselves as a couple... Guess where I am?

Big Buddha

I love ponchos, and I especially love this Big Buddha open knit poncho for spring! Scarf by Calvin Klein, jeans Banana Republic, and T by J Crew.

The Importance of Fit

The older I get the more important fit becomes. It may have something do with all those lumpy parts that need more and more hiding year after year. But it's also about learning to know what shapes look good on you and not embracing every trend, especially those that don't flatter. (For me, that would be pants with pleats or any kind of extra volume around the thighs or hips.) Because I am so crazy about the perfect fit, I have to rotate my wardrobe whenever I gain or lose a few pounds. With three pregnancies, my closet has undergone quite many rotations! Luckily I have a big attic where to store things while they are waiting for the right fit again..unless they get outdated while on rotation..which has happened and is unfortunate..

So because I want to try things on and am so picky about the fit, I hardly ever order clothing online. But I made an exception with the Derek Lam cheap chic collection for Kohl's. I just never had a chance to go there, and so I ordered a few pieces.. Oh boy, was I reminded of the importance of fit! And how hard it is to make good cheap chic... Most of the stuff was horrible. The fit was really off for me. I ended up keeping one tunic top, and even that one I need to work on a little. Tuck it in a bit here and there. But for $35 it's still worth it. 

This is the top I got. Planning on wearing with black or white skinnies, and maybe black wide leg pants. 

I really liked this dress and it looks gorgeous on the model, but not so much on me. It was horrid on me. Just one big sack with no shape at all. I was Disappointed (with a big D), but hey, you win some you lose some. 

Pinterest

It took me a while to "get" Pinterest, but when I did, I fell in love. What a delight - you can pamper yourself visually and be inspired. Check out my boards HERE.

Renwick Gallery

I promise this is my last post from the Washington DC trip. That town is art lover's delight. There are so many museums full of gorgeous art, and they are all free. This time we visited the Renwick Gallery which houses American crafts and decorative arts. It's located very close to the White House and it is smaller than most other Washington museums / galleries, so it was easy to take a quick peek without boring the kids too much.

Happy Weekend

A couple of outfits here...drinks with friends with JBrand jeans, Banana Republic knit; and Saturday morning outfit with snake print green/black/beige jeans from Target, Michael Kors poncho, cheapie sneaks and MiuMiu bag. Still cold this morning with only 38F, but forecast says it's supposed to get warm. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Blooms

The New York area trees are not yet blooming, but in Washington the spring comes a little earlier. These pictures are from last weekend's Washington DC trip. We were hoping to see the famous cherry blossoms but were not so lucky. I am sure that by now the Cherry Trees are in full bloom... oh well, maybe next year.

Cherry blossom buds

Magnolia is my favorite blooming tree

The one and only Cherry Blossom we managed to find

Different Viewpoints

I love the fact that everyone sees things differently. My cousin was visiting recently and took these black and white photos. I think they are beautiful and capture something that I couldn't have captured, being too close to my kids, or maybe just seeing them differently.

Office Outfit

Didn't post an office outfit for ages, so here goes. Anthropologie "art lover" cardigan, Banana Republic skirt & tee, Aerosoles ballerinas (commuting shoes), Juicy Couture necklace.

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

When in Washington, you go see the White House...

...like everyone else...

and you pose for pictures!

Lots of pictures

awwww

It's quite a bit smaller than you'd imagine

See the Secret Service guys up on the roof

The 5-year old asked: How does President Obama get out of the cage? Smart observation, no? 

The knitting grandma demonstrator

Different angle

Here goes the paparazzi again! 

and here...

and here (yes, I am texting, so what?)

and here (still texting, but I had to do it!)