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Week 10: Timeless Essentials. The Trench Coat

As I mentioned here, trench a coat is a must-have piece in every aspiring stylish lady's wardrobe. I do own a classic Burberry trench coat (below third from the right in the collage), however today I wanted to show you a modern interpretation of the classic trench coat look (think Marlene Dietrich or Audrey Hepburn as shown in the collage).

I am absolutely in love with this Keanu Trench by NYC designer Walter Baker and I already had it in beige (people who followed me on my old blog probably remember it), but now I also have it in white. It is seriously one of the most gorgeous pieces I have ever owned. Leather sleeves and contrasting colours give the classic trench silhouette a very sexy and bold makeover.
I have put some links at the end of the post as always so you can steal the look for yourself!

My Keanu trench on sale here: Walter Baker Keanu Trench.


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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 5: Star Wars. Princess Leia in NYC

Star Wars themed photoshoot. Ulia Ali as Princess Leia.

Princess Leia (or shall we call her General Leia after the Force Awakens?) is one of the most iconic characters in film history. Her sultry slave costume look is still on my list of 'Halloween outfits to wear' and her hairstyles are hard to forget (and recreate too!)

The most memorable Leia's hairstyle is side buns, and they were apparently inspired by photographs of native American women. These ones in particular:

I wanted to try 'Leia's side buns' hairstyle for a long time, and I finally managed to find great video tutorials and got a help from a friend Agnes. And I am so happy with the results! 

Princess Leia hairstyle as seen on NYC  blogger Ulia Ali
Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia. Hairstyle tutorial 

At the beginning I was planning to wear a white turtleneck dress, similar to what Leia wore in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, however, I thought it would be more challenging and fun if I wear something Star Wars inspired, but more appropriate for New York and our galaxy :)

Pastiche of Princess Leia look in Star Wars by fashion blogger
Star Wars inspired look in NYC by blogger

Hair Tutorials:

Princess Leia side buns hairstyle by blogger Ulia Ali

My Look:

Top - Walter Baker, Long vest - Walter Baker, Jeans - Levi's, Shoes - Jeffrey Campbell

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Week 1: NYC. Soho Look

High boots in Soho. Fashion blogger New York. Ulia Ali

Soho is one of my favourite areas of Manhattan. Every time I walk around Soho I always come across another peculiar boutique with beautiful clothes, cozy cafe or an art gallery. I really try to blend with New York crowd when I go on these walks, however high heels always sell me out! 

New York City blogger Ulia Ali from pastiche.today Blog
New York acrhitecture by pastiche.today blogger
Wearing boyfriend's Arc'teryx jacket

Wearing boyfriend's Arc'teryx jacket

Azerbaijani blogger living in New York
NYC style blogger in Soho
Streets of New York by blogger
Model and blogger in NYC pastiche.today
New York City top fashion blogger Ulia Ali from pastiche.today
NYC streets
udrey Hepburn graffiti in Little Italy.
Hot blogger Ulia Ali in New York.

Outfit: Dress - Bitching and Junk Food, Bag - Prada, Boots - Monica Ricci, Watch - Karl Lagerfeld, Jacket - boyfriend's Arc'teryx jacket.

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