OOTD Throwback: Wearing Veronica Beard In Philadelphia

In April of 2019, I went on an overnight trip to Philadelphia with my husband, where we stayed close to the University of Pennsylvania. As a city, Philadelphia left an impression on me and was where I saw far more greenery than I ever had in New York. On this trip I did not pack a lot, I only had brought a carry-on with me and decided to pack two outfits. These outfits’ main goals were to keep me comfortable during the travel to and from Philadelphia, and for walking around the city. Let me just say that Philadelphia is one of the coolest cities I have visited and it has unique restaurants and coffee shops that provide better food for better value than that of NYC. One restaurant stands out the most in my mind and that is the White Dog Café, where food is locally sourced, and you get to eat while looking at dog statues/ prints everywhere. My husband and I ate there twice because that’s how much we enjoyed the atmosphere and food.

Blue Coat & A Paloma Piccaso Handbag

Yesterday I had an errand to run with my husband, and with winter still clinging on in Pennsylvania, I decided to throw on a wool coat, and a small crossbody bag. As you can see, I wanted to look put together yet appear casual, and if you break down the look there are only two items that elevate my outfit. First, it is the statement coat that draws the most attention due to the colour. I am also confident that at first glance you are not noticing that I am wearing Lululemon leggings, a Hanes pullover or my UGG boots. If you think of it, these clothing choices are extremely casual items on their own. Secondly, I am wearing a handbag that is by a brand that not many people even know of, as it is now considered a defunct fashion label.

OOTD: Affordable & Eco-friendly Amazon Find

We are finally seeing established brands getting into sustainable manufacturing methods when it comes to the clothing they produce. We are also seeing brands develop new textile techniques, to figuring out how recycled materials such as plastic water bottles can be utilized in the fashion industry.

Tina Fey’s Golden Globes Dress by Russian Fashion Designer Ulyana Sergeenko

Some of you may be familiar with the beginnings of the Zaychishka blog, and how often I reported on the Russian fashion elite, to collections made by Russian Fashion Designers. One name some of you may recognize is Ulyana Sergeenko, who has been featured on this blog over the years along with Miroslava Duma, Elena Perminova, Vika Gazinskaya and Anya Ziourova. This stylish quintet of women was often referred to as the Russian Mafia, or the Russian ‘it’ girls for their incredible sense of style. Ulyana was known back then for her love of the vintage style, and every fashion week she would serve us looks that would take us on a journey back in time. When Ulyana opened her label in April of 2011 in Moscow Russia, it came as no surprise to see her base her collections on her own personal style, and passion for antiques and vintage themes. Ulyana’s label has been gaining a North American clientele, including celebrities from Beyonce to Kim Kardashian.  

OOTD Throwback: SoHo, New York

In 2018/2019 I was able to experience big city life while living in Manhattan, New York. I would often have fun exploring the city on my own, and of course with my husband. Every few weekends my husband and I would come up with a plan to see different neighbourhoods in Manhattan. Usually to eat at new restaurants, visit the museums, or to go out with friends. One weekend my husband and I were set on visiting SoHo. If you are curious what SoHo means it is an abbreviation for South of Houston Street which is where the SoHo neighbourhood begins. Fun fact if you want to look like a local do not pronounce the ‘Houston’ as if you would for Houston Texas, instead pronounce it like ‘house-ton’.

Critiquing 2021s Fashion Trends: Middle Parts, 70’s/90’s Mishmash, and Bridgerton

This year The Gen Z regime, different decades, and a television show are influencing this year’s style trends. I will admit that I did binge-watch Bridgerton the moment it popped up on Netflix and enjoyed the exaggerated and embellished clothing inspired by the late 18^th (1776- 1830) century. Let me tell you that I saw so many critiques on the clothing, especially regarding the fact that corsets were not worn at all back then. This, of course, would make sense when the dresses from this time period did not put great emphasis on women’s waistlines. However, does it really matter when the show never claimed to be historically accurate? It was aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, and right now we need a little bit of a visual treat when we either see the interior of our homes or the grocery store. Bridgerton has sparked this desire for romanticism re-imagined in our spring style line-up, thus Regenceycore is now a thing. Many fashion designers have been rolling out dresses that feature the wide neckline, puff sleeves and use of the fabric organza. Rebecca Taylor is even producing a modern twist to the style with this Organza Check Dress that I came across this morning.

OOTD Throwback: Lemon Print Dress

I recently read an article about Meghan Markle and how she was wearing a lemon print dress during a surprise Spotify Stream On event on February 14th.  Meghan’s lemon fit and flare dress is by Oscar De La Renta, which has triggered many people out there to snap up the dress while inspiring others to search for their own lemon print dresses. I think it is so interesting how celebrities and ex-royals can inspire our style choices, and some people just want to feel close to these individuals through fashion.

How To Cook The Best Borscht (Authentic, Easy & Tasty)

Hello, Lovelies and Matryoshkas! Today in Pennsylvania we are having yet another snowstorm, and what better way to keep warm during any snowy day than to enjoy having a warm bowl of borscht. Borscht is a traditional Russian and Eastern European dish that has the reputation for being gross to some, or super tasty to others. I absolutely love the borscht my mother-in-law makes, and her recipe is both authentic and flavourful. There are many renditions of borscht on the internet, but in my opinion, this recipe that has been handed down to me is one of the best you will ever taste, and it is not at all that hard to make. I have made this dish several times and have just recently made it again for my husband. I will mention that anytime I leave the bay leaves in the soup and my husband gets one in his bowl he always exclaims “I got a letter from Moscow”; apparently bay leaves are a Russian joke that someone in Moscow is thinking of you/sending you a letter.

Halston: America’s Most Iconic & Tragic Fashion Designer

Occasionally I find myself inspired to write about fashion designers who have either an interesting past or who have made contributions to the fashion scene. In the past, I have written about Chanel’s Russian connection, but since I am once again living in America and have previously lived in New York I find it fitting to write about this iconic American designer. Well, Lovelies I hope you will enjoy this lengthy read and my funny poses in a dress from this very designer.

OOTD Throwback: NYC, The Met & a Floral Dress

I once posted this very look on my now-defunct blog pawprintsandmint and could not resist re-doing this post for a throwback as it documented one of my favourite days captured in New York City. Living in New York had a lot of fun moments, and I am grateful to have been able to live in Manhattan for the experience alone. I am also as equally grateful to not be a permanent resident of the city- because New York keeps its mystery in small doses.