Inspiration: Ulyana Sergeenko

So in my sewing hiatus these last few months, I've been working on a lot of other various projects in addition to doing some soul searching. During this time a question was posed to me: if no would judge you, who would you be? What would you personality be like?

The question gave me pause because I had an answer ready to go. Before that question, I thought that I was fairly true to myself. I thought I knew who I was and generally what I wanted, but if I wasn't even acting like myself, what else was I in denial about?

When I was writing out my new year's resolutions, I noted that I was unhappy with my wardrobe and I wanted to change it up a bit. It's not that I wanted to move away from the vintage style, but I wanted to incorporate more comfortable options into my wardrobe. But after thinking about the question posed earlier, I started to wonder why I liked vintage clothing. Was I really dressing for me? Who was I trying to impress?

The thing is that I am not totally pleased with vintage. I mention many times that I want wearable vintage, not costume vintage. I want the timeless lines and silhouettes, but I don't want to look like I time traveled.

I started doing the Architect Wardrobe thing from Colette and I noticed that when it came time to choose words for my wardrobe, in addition to the usual "timeless, modern, and classic," I also chose "boring" and "plain."

Something was happening, clearly.

Anyway, guys, I was bored at work and while I was checking out the first round of Project Sewn entries, I decided to google Ulyana Sergeenko. Here's what W magazine says about her:

Porcelain-skinned and with a pinup figure, the 32-year-old wife of the Russian insurance billionaire Danil Khachaturov is both adored and imitated for her glamorous 1950s babushka style (think full skirts, fitted mohair sweaters, and a head scarf tied à la Grace Kelly). Sergeenko has parlayed that sartorial acclaim into an eponymous couture label, which she presented in Paris this past summer. Her debut collection featured clingy knit tops, quilted skirts, floor-sweeping greatcoats, and enough sable to swaddle the Russian army.

Guys, I found my style icon.

I've never had one before, so I'm really excited. Her clothing is so gorgeous. It's timeless and vintage inspired, but it's also gorgeous and dramatic and very mature. I'm so in love. Here's all the pictures from google:

So yeah, I'm going to try to incorporate more fun and dramatic looks into my "timeless, vintage" style.

Additionally, I'm pleased to report that I finally dusted off my sewing machine last Sunday and I made progress on my cape! I fixed the collar, made "arm holes," decided the front wasn't as bad as I thought and I could leave it, and started sewing together the lining.

I doubt this will happen, but I hope to cut out and sew a quick jersey dress for the Project Sewn sewalong this week as well! If I don't finish, keep an eye out as I have great things planned... I just need to get moving!