Green + Green for Decline of the Day by Emperor Ham Nghi

Welcome to my interpretation for this round of Style Imitating Art.

A Little Background

Style Imitating Art is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, Shelbee of Shelbee On the Edge, and me. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration image and we each post the image on our blogs. The following Monday we share our art-inspired outfits. The following Wednesday, the curator shares all of the submissions on her blog.

This Weeks Curator

Salazar picked this round’s work.

It’s an impressionist landscape called “Decline of the Day” by Emperor Ham Nghi, the 8th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam. He was dethroned and exiled to Algiers by the French when he was only 16 years old for opposing their colonial rule. While in exile, he studied painting and sculpting and produced a lot of great works, though sadly most of these were lost during the Algerian War. Salazar was fascinated to learn of this (VietInese history books mostly stop at his exile, nothing more) and thought it would be great to feature one of his paintings in SIA.

My Take

This is a landscape and although Impressionistic, I feel that nature’s natural colors rule; earth green, sky blue, and brown with all its varieties. There is a bit of pink in the sky, but I couldn’t see a way to incorporate it into my style.

I made the decision that I could go with either all blue or all green. With what’s in my closet, I didn’t feel I could mix the two and have something that looked wearable for me. That has always been the one thing that is necessary for me. I would have to feel comfortable wearing what I style to the places I go, whether here in my small town or up in Kansas City.

I went with a monochromatic palette in green, using some of my favorite things to accessorize.

We had to take these photos on a warmer but windy Wednesday because we were starting a winter watch as far as the weather. I had to choose between either the wind or uncertain blizzard conditions. I took the wind.

My two main pieces are versions of olive green. This color of green seems to be my favorite because I have collected a few things in it. The American Giant maxi dress has been on here and Instagram a few times because it has become one of my staples these last four years. All of American Giant’s garments are ethically made in the United States using sturdy and high-quality fabrics. This knit is not an exception. It is very thick and perfect for three-season wear. Summer doesn’t work for this one, it’s just too thick.

Putting a slouchy wool sweater over my dress for winter wear is nothing new to me. Four years ago I did it with red, which you can read HERE. That happens to be one of my favorite fashion posts ever, mainly because I did a collaboration with my friend Sally.

The sweater today is a second-hand Pendleton that I got off of eBay some time ago.

Gold Jewelry

I will admit, that although I really like my clothes (I mean, I even sew and knit them), it’s the accessories that I feel can make a strong statement about who one is as a person. Here is the rundown of what I decided to use for this round.

I like my green with gold and chose some of my favorite things. Georgina’s Les Racines Roots Medalion pendant has been excessively worn by me. If I want something simple but with a strong statement, this is what I grab. I won this during a silent auction during Kansas City Fashion week about four years ago and have never been sorry that I put in that last bid to get it.

Along with the pendant, I have two of my Brighton pieces that I picked up when my friend still had her boutique: a Cristo cuff that has interchangeable interior bands and an Affectionate ring.

Brown Bag, Tan Shoes and Beret

This may be the first time I’ve talked about my Demillier crossover bag. This is my “IT” bag for the season. I saw a photo of Kate Middleton carrying a Demillier bag and decided to check the company out and fell in love with their Venice bag which I would term a Saddle Bag (I use to carry a larger one back in the ”70s). I did feel bad that it had to be shipped all the way from England (they are made in Spain) but really wanted it. When it comes to bags, this is not my usual behavior which is buying second-hand. But, if I like a brand, I will spring for something new and I believe Demillier gave me a discount for being a first-time customer. Another perk is that they will stamp your initials on the strap for no charge. I jumped on that! I bought this back in October and will not be purchasing another bag for quite some time. I take care of my leather and know this bag will look great for years to come.

The shoes are one of my super-bargains. I think I mentioned here before that I found them on clearance at Macy’s for about six dollars. They are by Esprit and not great quality but they do tend to go with a lot.

I’m still on a beret-wearing kick this month and donned one of my oldest (at least 30 years).

New Socks off the Needles

I decided this would be a great outfit to show off my latest knitting-a pair of socks knitted from Malbrigo yarn. I love these but am not going to knit another pair of socks for a while. It’s time to do a sweater and get some sewing done.

I think that pretty much sums up my all monochromatic look. So now it’s your turn.

Will You Join In the Fun?

I hope this art inspires you to create a look and that you will join us. Send a photo of your SIA-inspired outfit along with a small blurb on how you were inspired to Salazar whose email is 14shadesofgreyblog@gmail.com by tomorrow. She will share the submissions on her blog this Wednesday.

Anyone can participate and you certainly do not have to have a blog.

If you do share your inspirations on Instagram use the hashtag #StyleImitatingArt so we know you are there. You can also tag us in the images. Our Instagram names are @terrigardner_meadowtree, @14shadesofgrey, and @shelbeeontheedge.

Salazar will be putting together her review to be published Wednesday. If you have an entry, please send it to her at 14shadesofgreyblog@gmail.com by tomorrow. Hope to see you there!

Take care and style on!