When Fashion and Nature Collide – May Issue

A Mix of Fabrics and Cultures

Lustrous Asian silk, vintage English lace, vichy pattern that reminds me of the French Riviera, bird feathers, a suede fedora that feels like Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca and an Italian masquerade mask for sensuous looks that have an old world appeal combined with a contemporary flair. My contribution to this third edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide is about a mix of textiles and accessories infused with rich culture and history. A kaleidoscope of beautiful clothing made of fabrics from across the globe to match the stunning critters and flowers featured in the current issue. Roda and Darren’s photos have provided me the inspiration for styling nine outfits this month. There’s sure to be something to inspire you!

The Buff Laced Polish Hen ‘also known as Flo’

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Nature Photography by Growing Self

Lace: this classic and feminine fabric reminiscent of times gone-by is always ‘in Vogue’. Fashion trends come and go, but lace remains each season. It can create many different styles. Coordinate lace with leather for an edgy look or pair it with denim or silk for an allure of romance. Remember, you don’t have to wear lace head-to-toe, just enough to give your look some va-va-voum glamour. For this girly yet fun outfit you see here, I combined a frilly vintage blouse to a crochet piece (that looks like a skirt but is actually a dress), and added feather mules, which I have created. A shoe that shows you’re a fun chick!

Lace Blouse – Era Vintage Wear / Skirt – Vintage / Mules – Franco Sarto (DIY with feathers by 3C Style) / Bag – Vintage / Bracelet – Private collection of Elena B. / Earrings – Eugenie Bee

The Moraea tulbaghensis & Blue Morpho Butterfly

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Geneviève Lacelle MUA – Flower Photography by The Arty Plantsman & Butterfly by Growing Self

These two pictures have inspired me to dress “up” my jeans for the day with a bright blue top, a tailored coat and leopard shoes. Love the simplicity of this look that says: I’ve tried, but not too hard. See here how Darren has captured in his drawing the ethereal beauty of the Moraea, a complex flower of stunning beauty, which to me looks like a butterfly.

Crop Jeans – Citizens of Humanity (available at Room Service Loft Boutique)  / Crossbody Bag – J. Crew (similar in pink, tan and white) / Coat – Vintage / Shoes – Sophia Webster / Bracelet and Earrings – Private collection of Elena B. / Earrings below – Mango

The Trichopetalum plumosum ‘hairy petals’

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Geneviève Lacelle MUA – Flower Photography by The Arty Plantsman 

Warning. If you are an introvert and you plan to sport a ‘hairy coat’ like this one you better be prepared. All eyes will be on you and your coat! Some will love it and compliment you while others like my son might think you look like the Yeti. That made me laugh by the way. But no one will be indifferent. I personally enjoy items that make people smile. Having fun with my clothing is to me what fashion is all about.

Trousers – Zara / Coat – Revolve (sold out) / Ring and Earrings – Private collection of Elena B.

The Asarum maximum ‘wild gingers’

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Geneviève Lacelle MUA – Flower Photography by The Arty Plantsman 

This flower has velvet petals and leaves. A black velvet slip dress worn with a silk t-shirt underneath would have been perfect to show off the beauty of this plant. But there is unfortunately no such dress in my wardrobe so I went for a laced coat with jet black velvet pockets, which usually feature “Bullets”. Real gun bullets! This design is popular in Georgia but my friend Elena who kindly let me borrow her coat embellished it instead with roses. Much better concept in my opinion.

Silk t-shirt – Anine Bing (available at Room Service Loft Boutique) / Coat “Flowers, no Bullets”– Creation of Elena Botchorichvili / Shoes – Miu Miu / Earrings – Private collection of Elena B. / Necklace – Banana Republic

The Western Conifer Seed Bug 

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Geneviève Lacelle MUA – Nature Photography by Growing SelfCorduroy Jeans – Joe Fresh / T-shirt – Frank + Oak / Sandals – Guess / Bag – Pantera / Necklace – Eugenie Bee

This Western Conifer Seed bug have captured my heart. Yeah, I know… It’s a nuisance when it enters homes and it is responsable for a substantial loss of seed crop. But look at Roda’s stunning picture of the creature. It is so beautiful. The presence of the teal color in the photography is another reason for my liking. This hue is my signature color. Teal pairs well with rust, brown, gray, black and navy.

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Nature Photography by Growing SelfSweater & Trousers – Zara / Mules – Made in Italy (Gold heels DIY by 3C Style) / Hat – Ophelie / Necklace – Eugenie Bee

The Box Elder Bug

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Geneviève Lacelle MUA – Nature Photography by Growing Self

Coat and Boots to keep, forever!

Being sexy and mysterious has more to do with attitude then looks. But clothes can help you own it as they can enhance your best features. This will translate into more confidence. You may not built right away the James Bond kind of confidence, but surely enough to put you instantly in a good mood. And that, my friends, is extremely sexy!

Silk coat with embroidery 1930 – Era Vintage Wear / Suede Skirt – Vintage / Boots – Made in Italy / Earrings – Private collection of Elena B. / Watch – Michael Kors

The Oxalis adenophylla & Gladiolus maculatus 

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Geneviève Lacelle MUA – Flower Photography by The Arty PlantsmanJeans – Ralph Laurent (Leather Cuffs DIY by 3C Style) / Turtleneck – Frank + Oak / Boots – Stuart Weitzman / Handbag – Fendi / Below: Sunglasses – Burberry

For this look I wanted to let the leather cuffs of the jeans and the accessories stand out. I simply paired my jeans with some of my wardrobe staples: a turtleneck, block heel booties and signature round shades.

The Partridge Plymouth Rock 

Roda’s photo collage – Photography of 3C Style by Marie-Claude Viola – Stylist: Dominique Nancy – Makeup: Emmanuelle Rochefort – Nature Photography by Growing SelfSilk Dress & Vintage Feather Hat – Era Vintage Wear / Sandals – Sam Edelman / Earrings & Necklace – Private collection of 3C Style / Venetian Mask – Made in Italy

How can a chicken inspire me such a look? It all started with the feathers and when I spotted this vintage hat my imagination got carried away… If I am ever invited to a masquerade party that’s what I would wear. Feels so sensual, a bit like in the film Eyes Wide Shut. Did you know that in the 18th century Venetian masks were worn everyday by some people? This was done for various reasons, such as:

• Escaping the pressure of the social hierarchy by pretending to be someone else;

• Doing illegal or criminal activities;

• Having romantic encounters.

With masks, people could go and do as they pleased without fear of being identified and without so many inhibitions.

From these pictures Lisa over at Lismore Paper has created an amazing artwork. A must see! Please, go visit her site as well as Roda and Darren‘s blogs to get an overall view of When Fashion and Nature Collide.

The team: Darren Sleep, Dominique Nancy, Roda Shope and Lisa Lawrence.

Next edition of When Fashion and Nature Collide: June 20th.

April Issue

March Issue

The launch of a special project