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#OOTD – Going Way Retro, Like Back to Roman Times

Pleated dress with an ancient Roman vibeI initially wanted to call this post “Walk Like An Egyptian.” That is, until Mark informed me that my look seems more ancient-Roman-inspired. Either way, you can say that the outfit goes beyond retro.

When I started this blog, I wanted to make it more about style than fashion. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always loved fashion. And the creativity both of famous and emerging designers thrills me. But, part of my style includes daring to stray now and then from the crowd regarding the latest trends.

Ancient Roman-inspired dress against Art Deco building
In front of the art deco Seattle Art Museum building

That part gets me looking into the dark recesses of my closets to come up with something that speaks to me in the moment. Of course, I don’t want to stray too far from the crowd so as to be seen as ridiculous or out of touch. Let’s face it. People inevitably judge us by how we dress. Are we “in the know” and “up to date?” And I don’t want to give the wrong idea – or a mistaken one.

And so, I like to invest in well-made, classic, and timeless clothing. You can use the same piece for years without shame – or better yet, with pleasure. And at the same time, I prefer that my clothing has some special/unique feature or another.

Close up of my ancient Roman (inspired) dress

As I was walking past a dress shop window in Milan a couple of years ago, this dress lured me in. The pleats made it look so feminine, and I loved its simplicity. Even though I knew that pleats had never flattered my curvy hips, I had to try it on.

Beads around the middle

Lo and behold, it flattered me! And the beaded attached belt makes it extra special.

Close up of attached belt detail

Footwear to match

With black, wood, and silver beads, in fact, I could really dress it up with my silver sequined Jimmy Choo peep-toe pumps, give it a chic spin with my black Ferragamo sandals with wooden heels,… or make it more daytime-appropriate with these little black Rebecca Minkoff T-strap flat sandals with black beads on the T.

Rebecca Minkoff T-strap sandals

These sandals remind me so much of the kind I’ve seen on bas-relief sculptures from Mesopotamia or ancient Greece. And they make for a fun, easy summer look. The silver bone cuff bracelet also gives me that same ancient feeling, even though if I were following the script more carefully, I might have opted for silver bangles. (Since I don’t have or wear silver bangles, I went for the cuff!)

Where do we draw the line in dressing more according to our whims than current fashion? I think that I am constantly exploring that question. And maybe I don’t always succeed. But I think that it brings me closer to being more authentically me.

Posing in front of the art deco Seattle Asian Art Museum

I wore: Leidiro dress (made in Italy) / Andrew Marc sweater / Rebecca Minkoff sandals / Elsa Peretti® bone cuff / Prada sunglasses
xo, janea

 

 

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39 Responses

  20. I can definitely see the Roman influence in this outfit – and I love it! Gosh, this look really does make me wish the warm weather would stick around…. forever! haha 🙂 You look beautiful, Janea.

    aglassofice.com
    x

  25. This dress is so cute, and I love the idea of the Roman theme. It’s such a simple outfit, but often minimal is best and in this case I really agree, it suits you so well and looks so stylish and effortless.

    Amy;
    Little Moon Elephant

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