Upgrade Your Chevron Rug.

If you fell under the roaring impact of chevron home accessories back a couple of years ago and you still love that pale grey (pastel blue, slate grey, etc) rug of yours, but want to change something around it to bring a new fresh look, then I am here to share one of the ideas ( one at a time-one at a time)

-First of all, grey and yellow are like sour and sweet -go together well, we know that. So leave that yellow sofa or other seating objects there and let's go:

1.ADD COLOR. Broaden your color spectrum by introducing an orange shade accent wall( like tangerine, red ochre, terra-cotta) but just one wall - leave the rest of the room relatively neutral.

2.ADD METAL.That is where things get interesting! Introduce industrial bookcase and a couple of metal accessories.

3.WOOD. Rustic chunky wood or mid-century modern coffee table will be the focal point.

4.ART. Incorporate contemporary modern art.You can never go wrong with geometric shapes and contemporary posters.

VOILÀ, it is ready! 

Lux and Textures

"Melt in luxurious textures, join the irreverent side and indulge!" - was the moto for this shabby leather-couch micro photoshoot.

Jewel-hued velvet, camel suede and dark chocolate leather are the core. Forget the mess and polish off the best Champagne bottle You have, because You are gorge! Bravely adventurous, seriously lighthearted and truly You! This is not about luxury (or fake luxury) it is about feeling the moment that conveys the essence of real beauty, no artificial additives! Beauty who likes to indulge.

Decadence and indulgence are fun when taken in the "wrong" doze. So take it at your own risk.

Spring into Florals.

         We are into spring, my friends! It has been a long winter of warm days anticipation. It is the time of the year when everything is transitioning - the trees' crowns come back to live, the grass gets lusher with every day, us girls get inspired to start the slim-down-for-summer routine and the sweaters little by little are being put away for the cozier moments. 

         Every season has its sartorial advantages. In winter you nail the art of layering, in spring you learn how to incorporate breezy pastels, in summer you show more leg and don't spend any time on dressing, in fall you look brilliant in those summer sandals paired with stockings. My favorite aspect will always be layering! That brings me to the prime idea of the post right now - let's layer up one last time!! It has been a couple months since I haven't worn a light spaghetti strap summer dress ( winter frost and all that ) and I really wanted to get out of thick textures of winter wardrobe. It wasn't warm enough yet so I wore a preppy Ralph Lauren shirt in mint under this whimsical vintage dress. It is really easy but innovative way to go if you heart runs an extra mile for warmer days. 

Wanna steal my look? Look below!

Hello, Friday!

Friday or any other day make no difference to me, because I am celebrating life and beauty everyday! Here is a capture of my morning and inspirational object arrangement earlier today. Enjoy every moment, every day like I do, beauties!

                                                                Kisses, Julia.

My Levi's love story.

         I tend to gravitate towards everything-timeless factor. Something that will never lose its value, like good ol' Levi's. Something goes out of style , something comes back, something never leaves. The legendary quality, comfort and laid-back chic of Levi's jeans are this "something that stays" to me and to everybody who ever experienced its substantial power.  I am celebrating its staying power every time I 'em pull on for any occasion. Besides, with nowadays Fashion and Style reformation you may as well wear it for your Valentine's Day date and be the chic showstopper. Here , I am demonstrating two of my most favorite Levi's denim pants (boyfriend and subtle flair) in the series of selfies, that I paired together and put them through a little editing process to denote not just the inner fashionista but creative mind of myself.  Happy Friday!

                                                                Kisses, Julia.

Fremont memories.

         It was a really-really rainy day in Seattle. Or should I rephrase it like  - It was a normal day in Seattle? That sounds about right.  However, I happened to love Seattle in its every state or mood so it doesn't matter wether it rains or the sun blesses the city, I want to be there right now, striding down the streets of Fremont district, snapping cool-looking old buildings-turned-coffeeshops or -gift stores and being on a hunt for inspo. Even though at this particular moment I am under the lavishing late February sunshine I would love to go back to this rain-soaked day full of vigorous gifts search and intense coffee drinking. But I learnt not to go back, I learnt to go forward - only forward. I preserve my memories and create new ones all the time. There is no time for monotonous lifestyle, but all the chances in the world for diversity! That is what I am sticking to.
                 
                                                                     Kisses, Julia

What's your color?

                     

          We rush through our lives, striving for success and peace of mind. We struggle, endeavor , rise and fall. It's life. Every feeling, life aspect, personality - not just an object - has a color. It is vital to define yours. Don't blend in, be a colorblock - reflect other colors, personalities, ambiances with a positive outcome. If you haven't found your "color" yet, take your time. The search process is fun.  

          The moral of this occasional and spontaneous reasoning of mine is the importance of being true to yourself and thrive in what you love doing.

Rough times for coffee table decor

         

                           When you invite friends , your coffee table turns into an irreverent photo art.

I need this OOTD

   

                                Louis Vuitton work desk in a travel chest?! Yes, please!

Bright word of the day.

                   

It's been really gloomy today. We need some sun. Some happiness generator. Vivaciousness! Do you feel vivacious yet?!

Object: Richard Sapper for Alessi tea kettle.

Image credit: dezeen.com

          This tea kettle is not your usual tea-time starter. First of all, it is equipped with a multifunctional design and durability. Second of all, it was designed by a master in his field, that unfortunately recently deceased, Richard Sapper, so it means there is a unique element to it. Yes, you've spotted right, there are two whistles instead of one! This means your five o'clock starts with a harmonic tune produced due to the water boiling. 

The OOTD is more of a tribute to the great designer other than a stimuli-inducer for buying.

Word of the Day

The reason why I chose this word for the first Word of the Day ever is because that is how I feel right now. Full of verve, full of enthusiasm for the beginning of the project. No matter how difficult the beginnings may be, keep your verve ( positive energy, spirit, passion ) flowing!

The Strange Heights Creative Lab.

Please, welcome the launch of 

The STRANGE HEIGHTS Creative Lab.

STRANGE HEIGHTS Creative Lab is a home-based studio where beautiful bespoke creations are born. The artistic process is well-defined by the plethora of activities involved from jewelry mastery and color play art to graphic and interior design.

With the New Year comes the end of struggle to decide which ONE of my hobbies gets all the limelight. In other words, I can't simply give up on everything I have an irrevocably grand zeal for and concentrate on only one, ONLY ONE creative side of mine. 

So instead of being a meticulously rigorous minimalist, I am embarking on being a vigorous maximalist and embrace it all!

Let me introduce You to the vivacious ambiance of my Creative Studio and how things transform into objects.

A sneak peak into a jewelry-crafting process for the upcoming Coastal-inspired collection. 

For those who'd rather be lying on warm sand of the tropical beach than being stuck in the cold city.

The incarnation of things-go-objects statement. Ever thought of repurposing the candle lids as coasters? 

That is what you gonna have under the tea/coffee cup in my studio.

Simplistic plain tees get a geometric treatment and bedazzlement at the realm of bespoke craftmanship.

There are new entries for a swift on-the-go check daily:

  Word of the Day and Object of the day.

WOTD is to highlight my passion for linguistics and knowledge.

 OOTD is not your typical outfit post, it is a different something that embodies clean esthetics and flair, be it an art piece or a laudable dress.

Check back soon. More great insights coming!

How not to fail on your New Year's resolutions promise!

         It is substantially easy- do not make that darn list of things that you aspire to do and be ,that seem so inspiring but are irrevocably doomed to be neglected and forgotten. And there is no way-NO WAY I am telling you to give up on your dreams and slowly vegetate. There is nothing more inspiring to me than enthusiastic diligence and strive for success, but this year I decided not to waste a page in my journal - I decided that the best way ( for my precious self ) to thrive is to remain myself . A year of 2015 showed how my life improved - how much more travel I had experienced (Charleston,SC,  RUSSIA, Seattle,WA), how many more books were read, how many more happy moments I encountered and how I was able to define the type of activity I want to be involved in and what to do for it. I honestly do not see the point of looking at the resolutions list every day to remember to eat more viber and less pizza or to exercise , or to study more instead of going out. All my goals and plans are in my mind. All I need to succeed is a dedicated regimen, consistency and a true desire. Notice how I omitted "talent". Talent cannot be forced but it can be conceived through the three above mentioned aspects.
         And to conclude my mindfull speech I want to say that it is essential to know yourself , know what you want (if you don't- do your research) and to do at least a little something for it EVERY DAY.
         Here is my creative little-something to evoke the spirits of inspiration and keep me going (and hopefully to give some of you a stimuli to jump-start your dreams-come-true plan right this second).
I applied graphic manipulation to the images of my own not just to remind myself to edit photos beautifully but to be a step closer to the desired destination by sharpening my teeth in graphic design that I so yearn to be a maven of!

   

   

     

  

Office-wear invasion. Or how badly I want an office job.

            Back in the days I remember myself as a vivid incarnation of formal-wear anti-enthusiast. I refused to wear office-appropriate attires, but I worked in the office before graduating college. Blouses, white starched shirts, blazers and more frightening - suit pants, the ugliest sartorial invention - all those wardrobe staples I am leaning on now, were the most hideous things ever 5-6 years ago.

I cannot believe how my preferences and tastes transformed since then. I went from a rebellious youngster to a woman that loves it all! I never feel more creative than when I am attempting to build a perfect outfit, pairing items than may clash at the first sight, venturing into different styles, experimenting with colors I didn't dare to put on before. And with a grand plethora of runaway shows, fashion campaigns that I am consistently perusing , it is really hard not fall under the impact of style forecasters. 

How t.A.T.u obsession still runs my DNA.

t.A.T.u performing in Switzerland

         As of lately I have been listening to t.A.T.u on repeat over and over again, more than I usually do. So a brilliant idea occurred to me - to write about the girls duo that flipped my growing-up upside down.  A little background for those who happen to be out of the loop, t.A.T.u was formed in 1999, bringing into the limelight two fresh-faced rebels, Yulia and Lena, who created a huge deal and massive controversy, that rapidly roared throughout Russia and Europe. That venture didn't blaze and fade away like a host of aspiring musical projects being created to amaze, but destined to fail. Despite enormous contradiction to russian culture back then , t.A.T.u nailed it like nobody did since then, attracting tones of admirers and followers in the USA , eventually getting signed up with an american label and exploding the streets of London with a very effective move - a vast throng of girls wearing skimpy school girl uniforms, leading by Yulia and Lena.

        I was 11 when the duo's fast paced development took place. My mom bought me a 200km/h in the wrong lane CD with a sensational kiss captured on the cover. And even though my mom is quite strict and old-fashioned, she didn't see any bad impact or possible harm it could bring. Besides, I was obviously too thrilled about the hidden "stash" of song lyrics in english that were inside, so two naughty girls making out didn't repel my mom in any way.

Going further with my story, I rewatched a bunch of t.A.T.u's top music videos and live performances to give it a logical conclusion - since my blog is mostly about fashion and style, I created a couple of inspirational outfit collages, channeling the most remarkable t.A.T.u's outfits of all the time. And maybe, just maybe you will find one or two for yourself, because no matter what is on trend now, these outfits defy time and fads.

Play like Beckham - dress like Beckham!

     

Photo Credit: H&M

       More than just "incredibly successful, world-renowned soccer player" and a "sex symbol",  David Beckham, whom I would refer to as a "role model" ( even though I am a woman ), whose tenacity, determination and hard work brought him where he is now, collaborated with H&M to curate the key staples not just for the season but for the general must-have factor. Modern Essentials is a supremely inspiring guide to contemporary man chic, that cares for comfort and utility just as much as style.   

I may not be the perfect menswear expert, but I do appreciate a tasteful, masculine elegance, expressed not just in style, but in the motion and charisma to emphasize it. And besides, the world of fashion has been deeply involved in menswear as never before, adding a good bit of 

comme-des-garçones effect to womenswear - so it is hard not to notice how the idea of manfulness was elevated and be a part of it, sporting the suit ensembles and loafers like I was born in it.

You do not have to thoughtlessly change your wardrobe and style, but if you are a guy who doesn't think that close-fitting suit pants and body-skimming tees are "gay", then you should at least give some of the pieces a try!

Oh and by the way, if you haven't checked out the film featuring David Beckham's campaign with Kevin Hart's gloriously humorous foray yet, make sure to do that right here.

Wintry sport.

, 

I discovered this stunning faux fur coat while perusing nowadays fashion modernists'  creations at totokaelo.com

I enjoy studying closely every piece , every garment they have. And I always gravitate towards 

clean-lined esthetic and visionary approaches to common clothes styles. This flawlessly divine coat interweave two concepts - sportswear and lux. Effortless comfort adjustments , a drawstring and a hood, mixed up with touchable fur texture gives a new way to both comfort and sumptuousness.

Photo credit : Totokaelo.com

Coach Swagger. Not your regular swag.

One of  the most coveted objects of the season created by Coach - the  Swagger . It is about texture and structure that refine your style. Patchwork, that was taken to a dramatically different level, exquisite deep shades and versatility. On your shoulder, across your body, in your hand - this object will become as personal and close as feelings and needs. Find the one (or more) for yourself at Coach.com

Photo credit : Coach.com

You've cat to be kitten me right MEOW!

      That is probably not a news that  cats  have been taking over the internet and our lives on the massive scalability. Not to mention the influence they had on fashion. Designers and clothes labels embarked on evolving this idea and have been nailing it till this particular moment.

How can you not adore these little fluffy, cozy-looking fur balls that bring so much warmth and comfort with their presence. 

        Personally I am a big time cat person. BIG TIME! Fortunately for me my house is not full of cats ( maybe one day, when I have a mansion, haha, but still am happily married! ) and I only have one kitty, who, as ordinary as it may sound nowadays, owns me. She reckons I am the person she gives a place to stay and be happy. But despite the attitude and subversive motives that this little yarn ball has, I am abnormally obsessed with her! I am sure there is a grand number of people that share my gratuitous obsession.

         You can find pretty much an object on the market that reflects this feline craziness, from decor elements to furniture, from a coin pouch and a miniature ring to an elegant designer minaudière and cat face strewn dress.

   And here you can see my wish-list, featuring "Cats' invasion" objects!