Week 10: Timeless Essentials. The Wardrobe of a Lady

In our ever-changing, fast-paced world there are some things that stay the same: our quest to find true love and our dream of living a life free of oppression and full of meaning. But putting all of those noble (or high-spirited?) ideas aside, there are things that we can and should own now if we want to achieve that air of timeless beauty and leave life's journey idle for a moment.

This week I will be presenting my version of several key classic looks, as well as helping you find essential pieces for your own wardrobe. I’ll also introduce you to one of the most renowned stylish aristocrats: the Countess de Ribes and give you the ultimate list of "Books That Every Aspiring Lady Should Read." 

Let's start with my list of Wardrobe Essentials before I show you my own interpretations of these classic pieces later this week. Here are the top 5 basic items every stylish girl should own. With these 5 items you will never look boring, only timeless, ladylike and classy.

1. Trench Coat

2. Iconic Bag

Remember Cate Blanchette's character in Blue Jasmine? She lost all of her money, but refused to give up and sell her Hermés Birkin bag because she believed the moment she sold it, she could never go back to her luxurious upper class Manhattan's socialite life. That bag was her signature, something that showed she was "different" from ordinary people. 

Owning a good bag is important if you want to socialise with the crème de la crème and attend beautiful galas. Or even if you just want to look stylish in a simple white dress or a baggy t-shirt and denim shorts. One expensive bag can MAKE the whole outfit.

If you are on a budget, but still want to look chic and expensive, invest in one great bag rather than a lot of individual items or clothes. It sounds very superficial, but THE PERFECT BAG can make a world of difference.

3. White Pants

Denim is usually in everyone's wardrobe as a base essential, but I believe in the power of white pants/jeans. Pair them with big, beige sweaters, colourful polo shirts or even a sequined evening top. White pants will look much cleaner in any of these combinations and more original than blue jeans.

 

4. Classic Chanel-esque jacket

You don't have to empty your bank account and buy the $4000 original Chanel jacket, but there are a lot of brands that offer very similar, classic tweed jackets. Gone are the days of matching tweed jackets with tweed skirts, now you can mix and match your tweed jacket with pretty much anything and still look great.

5. Little Black Dress

And last but not least: The Little Black Dress! The LBD is a must-have in every girl's closet. There are so many variations and shapes to choose from, but I have just one rule: choose a dress made from good, high-quality fabric and never opt for a cheap bodycon dress made from a synthetic stretch fabric.

 

 

 

Week 9: Floral. Blue Floral Dress

 

 

 

This blue floral dress by Walter Baker is a perfect example of a floral print that is "girly and pretty," but also bold, sexy and surprisingly daring. The print is very bright and eye-catching, but what I love the most about this dress is the high slits and lace-up front (no bra days!).

I kept the styling subdued with minimal makeup and a simple hairstyle with two tiny braids in the back.The look was not too overwhelming, and it was rather comfortable for a long walk in NYC with friends.

 

Dress - Walter Baker Shoes - Jeffrey Campbell

 

Week 9: Floral. Blooming Shop

As usual my Weekly Shop is updated with the new theme! Are you ready for the floral invasion?

Week 9: Floral. My Sexy Spring Dress

Ulia Ali in Walter Baker Floral Dress

It is still quite chilly in New York, but I couldn't wait to show you a few of my new favourite spring dresses! So this week is dedicated to flowers of all kinds, and especially to floral prints. Let’s start with this gorgeous Walter Baker dress featuring a very sexy open back.

The photographs were taken at one of my favourite buildings in the city‒  - The New York Public Library.

Ulia Ali - NYC Blogger promoting Walter Baker Fashion House. Amazing PR campaign
Swirl dress
Dress by Walter Baker
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New York Public Library 
New York top style blogger
Ulia Ali
New York Public Library. Blog
Blogger at New York Public Library 
Ulia Ali - blogger from Azerbaijan, Baku. Модный блогер Азербайджана.  Мода Баку
New York Public LibraryWrite here...
New York Public Library interior 
New York Public Library 
New York Public Library 
New York Public Library. Fashion blogger photoshoot 

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Week 8: California Diary. Coachella Vibes

Since Coachella took over my Instagram feed and favourite bloggers' pages this month, I decided to share the best affordable festival-ready clothes you can find in stores right now.

Coachella Trend Report and Shop by Ulia Ali

Ben and I were planning to go to Coachella this year, however my husband was travelling to Dubai for a golf tournament and then he was back to work in New York, so we had to leave the festival experience until next year.

If you, like me, haven't been able to go to Coachella, treat yourself with some beautiful summer pieces that will make you want to throw your own party!

COACHELLA 2016 BEST OUTFITS AND TRENDS

Sheer maxi Dresses 

Best dresses list Coachella 2016. Fashion trends, summer 2016

Seen all over Coachella, worn by blogging beauties and young celebrities, maxi see-through and peek-a-boo lace dresses are one of the biggest trends of summer 2016. They are sexy without being trashy, sophisticated and effortlessly cool. 

Off-the-shoulder tops

Best trends of 2016, Coachella vibes. Fashion and style of bloggers

Off-the-shoulder tops are definitely one of my latest fashion crazes. I love them all: cropped neutral coloured, intricately embroidered and laced ones.

Lace up High Boots or Sandals

Summer 2016 shoes trend. Knee high boots and sandals

I already jumped on this bandwagon and purchased a pair of Daisy Street Lace Up Boots from Asos. Those boots will sex up any outfit regardless if you are in a tight suede dress or just wearing shorts and a white t-shirt.