Signature Style for a Little Girl

It's a signature style week at Project Run and Play, I decided to play along. It's always interesting to me how people develop their personal style, the underlying reasons behind what people choose to wear. My personal style was definitely influenced by the environment I grew up in. I grew up in the Soviet Union where fashion was a big no-no. I wrote a little bit about it here. It was the land of sameness, same haircuts, same uniforms, same dowdy clothes more suited for grandmas then young beautiful girls. If you dared to stand out, you were promptly put in place. But it's hard to beat a human spirit into submission. We rebelled. The skirts were a tad shorter then allowed, small details were added to uniforms, and even a bit of mascara worn to school. How naughty. When the Soviet Union collapsed I was a teenager and dove head down into everything fashion.
stlylish clothes for girls

I would design new outfits during long lectures at the University, at the dinner party, walking down the streets. Often waking up with the idea in my head in the middle of the night. A few things were great, a few I laugh about. But I finally had a chance to express my creativity that was stifled was so long.
I was always drawn to fitted, almost architectural silhouettes. I like my clothes to be well tailored, slightly edgy, preferably with the unusual twist or a pop of color. I never liked cutsie things. And that's what I tend to make for my child, cool things but certainly age appropriate. Things that are easy to run and play.
 The skirt was refashioned from a lacy blouse I got at the garage sale for 50 cents. I bought it with a skirt for Ania in mind. The cardigan used to be mine. It's 100% wool and I loved it until my oh-so-helpful hubby threw it in a wash and then a dryer. Sigh. I still had to cut it apart, since the shoulder and sleeves were too big. It's super warm.
The shirt underneath is Hanami by Straight Grain. it's made out of Nani Iro cotton and it's soft like butter. It's the most luscious fabric, I highly recommend it. I gathered the flounce of the shirt in the back, but added pleats in front.

 I like the versatility of the outfit. She can wear all the pieces separately with other things.
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18 comments

  1. I love the punch of color in the blouse with the neutrals of the cardigan and skirt. Well done.
    With Love,
    Scary

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  2. Olga, what a fantastic post! I love the outfit lots, all the details and how the pieces all go well together. But it really made me happy to read your post and how you explain your style! brilliant.

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  3. OH my I really love the pleats in that shirt! It is like a peplum with an awesome twist!

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  4. I could wear that skirt! I really liked to read the story behind your style and love the wool cardigan and the fact they are all pretty wearable pieces.

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  5. I enjoyed reading about your background, and how it affected your style. American sometimes forget about one of the freedoms that we enjoy... to create and express ourselves.
    I like the pleats in the front of the shirt.
    Deborah @ Sew Much To Give

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  6. You always do a great job of making sophisticated yet wearable clothing! love the pleats.

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  7. It's lovely! I'd love to get my hand on some of that Nani Iro cotton. It sounds delicious. And what an inspirational story behind your pull to fashion! Great job!

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  8. Beautiful outfit! Each pieces can be worn so well differently, but I love how you matched them here. Is that Nani Iro double gauze? beautiful choice!

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  9. I love to hear about your background and how it has influenced your sewing. This is a totally practical outfit, but, oh, so pretty. The cardigan is a perfect match for the lace skirt.

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  10. Wow! This is a perfect outfit, I'm really impressed, Olga!
    Thanks for sharing it on our G+ Refashion Obsession Group!
    And... your girl have to thanks Dad for having a cardi like this!!!
    "not every cloud has a silver lining"
    LOL
    MammaNene @ SergerPepper

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  11. This is such a great outfit...so simple yet so sweet! I love that you reused a shrunken sweater...I love finding uses for things that were loved and ruined:)

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  12. Loved reading about your style and history...so interesting! Thank you so much for sharing.
    Andy your little girls outfit is adorable...I especially like the skirt from the thrifted blouse!
    liZ

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  13. This outfit is so adorable! I love that you turned your shrunken sweater into a sweater for your daughter! :) New follower!

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  14. Yea for up-cycling! I love finding treasures and re-inventing them into something great--nice job...and I'm sure she loves wearing something that used to be yours:)

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  15. All of the pieces are beautiful. So well done. xoxo

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  16. Love the versatility! And I love upcycles!

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  17. I loved reading about how you developed your own style! And you certainly do have a fantastic style!
    And good for you for saving that cardigan...it looks absolutely beautiful on your daughter!

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  18. Ooh I love this outfit! Each piece is so different, but looks great together! And it's great that she can wear it with anything else! I love the cardigan!

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