YELLOW AND BLACK STYLING PLUS NON FICTION BOOK REVIEWS
Hello dear readers! In this post, I'll share an urban summer styling and two book recommendations, all very sustainable and all that.
I have a confession to make. The outfit (and city) photographs in this post were actually taken years ago in Mostar. How many years ago? I'm not entirely sure, but it was quite a few. This post was in drafts for a long time. However, I still own and wear all the clothing items worn in this set of urban outfit photographs. So, I decided to use them along side my book photography and reviews.
The book photography shared in this post is more recent than outfit photographs, dating back to last summer, and location being my balcony in Mostar. Today I'll show you two books I bought and gifted. I will also include a book review that will be short, as these books are non-fiction and I'm a literary lady. Don't you worry, though. There are more literary book reviews coming your way soon enough.
This post is all about being sustainable, from my vintage outfit to the secondhand books I purchased and gifted, even to the way I wrapped up these books. Scroll down to see and read more!
THE STORY OF THIS OUTFIT
I love to mix styles. Pumps and folkore bags. Pencil skirt and mesh top. These photographs were taken quite a few summers ago. I'm not sure why I didn't publish this outfit earlier. Well, I'm publishing it now. Better late than never.
HOW I WORE IT BEFORE? THE STORY OF MY CLOTHING ITEMS
THE HIGH WAIST YELLOW TARTAN SKIRT - vintage, inherited from my mother.
What can I say about this skirt that I haven't said already?
1) Yellow tartan skirt worn with a blue and green striped turtleneck, a green tartan jacket, a caramel brown bag and Umbro sneakers in 2016.
6) See how I wore this yellow skirt with a short black coat, a faux fur scarf, a vintage floral bag and red high heels in 2015.
7) See how I styled it with a printed t-shirt, a shirt wrapped around the waist, a baker boy hat and Startas sneakers in 2020.
8) See how I wore this yellow checkered skirt with an olive green turtleneck, a red blazer, high brown boots and a short black coat.
9) In 2021, I wore this yellow tartan skirt to join Kezzie's Dr Who cosplay. I paired this vintage skirt with grey tights, black stiletto heels and a black tunics (worn as a top).
10) In 2012, I paired this yellow tartan skirt with bright pink sweater, snake print stilettoes, and a cord black coat.
11) When I wrote down tips for styling yellow in 2019, I included an outfit featuring this tartan skirt paired with a red floral vintage blouse, a mini brown bag and bw print sandals with a high block heel.
12) In this 2018 post, I shared how I styled this tartan skirt with a burgundy turtleneck, a yellow blazer and black block heels.
13) In this 2018 post, I shared how I styled this yellow and grey skirt with an olive green long sleeved top, an olive green long vest, and black and white sneakers.
14) In this 2015 post, I styled this tartan skirt with a printed t-shirt, a black blazer, a yellow bag, dark tights and Mary Jane heels.
15) In this 2016 post, I styled this tartan skirt with an olive green long sleeved top, a yellow bag, white socks and blue oxford shoes.
16) In this 2021 post, I shared many different outfits featuring a yellow bag, and I picked this vintage combo of a long mint blazer and yellow tartan skirt combo as my favourite outfit.
17) In 2013, I wore this tartan skirt with a double collar shirt styled under a bright pink sweater with a faux leather white jacket, brown boots and a black leather bag.
18) In this 2013 post, I styled this tartan skirt with a green jacket, a red top underneath and green shoes.
19) In this 2013 post, I styled this yellow tartan skirt with a yellow sweater.
20) In this 2024 post, I wore this checkered skirt with a burgundy checkered jacket and a yellow sweater.
21) In this 2019 post, I paired this yellow skirt with a striped top and a pair of borosanas for a visit to Blidinje.
22) In this 2019 post, I paired this checkered skirt with a long sleeved red top with flare sleeves, a black backpack and a black pair of borosanas.
So, as you can see I have worn this tartan skirt a lot. I managed to find 22 outfits, but I might add up more, because I'm sure I have more photographed outfits with it.
Do I notice any patterns in the way I style it? Yes, I do actually. I often style it with patterns, especially tartan pattern or matching colours (yellow and black). My blog archives also indicate I love to wear this yellow tartan skirt with red. Sometimes (like in this outfit), I like to pair it with black.
THE RED FOLKLORE BAG- A GIFT FROM MY LATE GRANDMOTHER IKA
1) WITH A GREEN DRESS, CARAMEL BOOTS AND A BLACK COAT
5) WITH AN OFF SHOULDER TOP, A RUFFLED SKIRT AND A PAIR OF BLUE OXFORD SHOES (By following this link, you can also see a couple of ways to style this pair of pointy heels)
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| See how I styled this graphic top in 2018 |
THE BLACK AND WHITE GRAPHIC T-SHIRT (old, from New Yorker)
1) See how I styled it with a striped mini from Zara, a burgundy bag from Borsa and a pair of brown heeled sandals in 2018.
2) See how I layered this graphic t-shirt with a maxi pleated skirt, a striped cardi, a black blazer and doc martens.
THE DIY FAUX LEATHER NECKLACE (designed and made by me from recycled materials)
You can see this and some other necklaces I designed and created in this 2015 post. So, I made this necklace ten years ago. These outfit photographs could be from that same period.
VISIT ARTIFICIAL LAKE MOSTAR -https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2015/08/sights-to-see-places-to-visit.html
LET ME SHOW YOU HOW I'M A TURIST IN MY OWN TOWN
EXPLORE MOSTAR WITH ME
EXPERIENCE SUMMER IN MOSTAR
Speaking of Mostar, the capital of Herzegovina, one shouldn't forget other visit worthy locations in this region. Herzegovina is simply perfect. I will link a few up for those who might be interested, so don't worry.
WHAT TO SEE IN HERZEGOVINA? THESE TWO FORTRESSES AND NATIONAL PARKS- 2023 //AMAZING CITIES TO VISIT IN HERZEGOVINA-2019 // PROTECTED AREAS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA- 2019
TWO MORE AMAZING DESTINATIONS NEAR MOSTAR: BUNA AND RUJIŠTE
RUJIŠTE- NICKNAMED HERZEGOVIAN HIMALAYA
OLDER POSTS ABOUT MOSTAR CITY
1. You can see Mostar from the bird perspective in my previous posts (here, here and here). 2. One of my favourite streets in Mostar here and here. 3. Musala bridge (also known under its old name Tito's bridge here and here) 4. You can see photographs of Mostar's Catholic cathedral here.5. You can see images of Mostar and its famous Nertva river here, here and here. 6. You can see the surrounds of one of its most iconic catholic churches here.7. You can see both photographs of old bridge and my drawing of it here. 8. Another one of my favourites when it comes to streets here. 9. You can see photographs of Croatian cultural centre/theater here , here , here , here and here. 10. You can see photographs of the main city park here here, here, here and here.
11. You can see images of Spanish square here, here , here , here and here. 12. You can see photographs of Custom's bridge here and here. 13. You can see photographs of the new bridge here and here. 14. A few photographs from old city centre (2018) here. 15. What to wear for sightseeing Mostar in summer here.
This was back when we had a real camera, and I didn't have to rely on our cellphones. The quality of images seemed better for sure, even with all the advances that we supposedly have now in cellphone photography.
To be honest, I miss having a 'real' camera. There's something about having a piece of equipment that only serves one purpose.
Perhaps I also miss reading and learning about photography. It is an an art after all.
With camera in hand, one feels more like an artist.
With camera in hand, perhaps it's easier to focus on only- photography.
You have your tool, and you have your task. There is something to the simplify of that.
Yes, camera on a cellphone is very practical, but is it really the same?
I HAVE DECIDED TO WRAP BOTH SECOND HAND BOOKS IN RECYCLED PAPER
OXFORD BY CHRIS DONAGHUE
THIS BOOK PRESENTS NINETY-TWO STUNNING IMAGES
With nine-two gorgeous photographs, you're sure be inspired. They feature some of Oxford best known locations. As I already said, I'm not a photography expert, but I do love the light in all these photographs.
NOW, LET'S TALK ABOUT THE BOOKS
Anyhow, I found these books in a vintage and secondhand book store.
Well, calling it a store is a stretch. It's more a basement where you can buy books from a guy who sells them from time to time. I won't reveal its location, as I'm not even sure can you buy books from there.
THE POCKET ENYCLOPEDIA OF IRELAND
This is the description of this book I found on Amazon:
"The Pocket Encyclopedia of Ireland is a comprehensive, illustrated A-Z encyclopedia, specifically devoted to subjects of Irish interest. The A-Z section includes approximately 1,000 entries, from simple 3 line entries to full-page features, along with up to date charts of sporting winners, lists of the great and good, historical timelines, maps and more. The book is fully illustrated on every page with colour photographs, illustrations, line drawings and diagrams. Each illustration is captioned, adding further interest and information. Written by a small panel of contributors, the scope of this book is to provide a fascinating pocket reference work about Ireland, its people, history and culture. This book will appeal as an interesting book to dip into at any time, as well as a home and general reference tool."
I don't have a lot to add to this description. The pocket encyclopedia of Ireland is a lovely pocket encyclopedia. The printing paper is of good quality. The images are both clear and vibrant. The colours are pigmented and lovely. From the visual aspect, it's definitely a nice book.
It's not the lightest of books. I think Amazon says it's weights about a kilo. I can't remember how heavy it felt, but it's not light. However, that is to be expected from a hard cover book. It is a well made quality pocket encyclopedia. Speaking of its size, it's not exactly tiny as the term 'pocket' can imply. It would take a big pocket to host it. Here's the size and weight information cited from Amazon:
Product details
- Publisher : Gill & Macmillan Ltd
- Publication date : 24 Feb. 2012
- Language : English
- Print length : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0717150283
- ISBN-13 : 978-0717150281
- Item weight : 1.05 kg
- Dimensions : 12.7 x 1.91 x 14.61 cm
I can imagine it being used as a coffee table book as well. It's not big, but it's quality made and would look nice on a table. So, it could double as a cocktail table book as well. Moreover, with over 250 pages it could be a nice conversational starter.
I suppose a good candidate for this book would be someone interested in history of Ireland. It can also be beneficial to students of English for obvious reasons. It could be a nice gift for students that have to learn English- and that's just about everyone in the Western day these days. So, you might gift them this book. Not everyone likes non-fiction. Some people like to read encyclopedias and non-fiction.
As I mentioned earlier, this book was a gift. I thought it a good gift for children of my husband's nephew. They are both of school age, so I'm sure they could use it. I choose two non-fiction books for them, one focusing on Oxford, the other on Ireland. So, nobody can say that I have a preference for either British English or Irish English. Anyway, what more can I say about this book?
It contains a lot of historical information, some of which is political. It mentions Irish political parties and politicians. There was more political points than I expected. I did not really expect to see the names of politicians. Of course, this book mentions and references various famous Irish people, some of which you can see on the very cover, for example Bono Vox. It also contains all the kind of information you might expect to find in an encyclopedia about a certain country, from cultural to geographical.
In this book you will find Irish actors, writers and so on. In the image below you can see a little section about Liam O'Flaherty, an Irish writer famous for his novel The Informer. I've read many an Irish novelist, but I haven't read this one. So, this encyclopedia was a nice way for me to refresh my knowledge of Irish writers. I mean books like this one are always educational. Some of them more, some less, but an encyclopedia, pocket or regular size, is always a nice starting point.
The book also lists formative years in Irish history, from the arrival of first settlers in 7,000 BC onwards. I think the book is written as a pretty good reference point. You can always look up for more information. The writing style is simple, easy accessible and readable.
So, to conclude I'm glad I purchased this book. It proved a nice purchase. I hope it was a nice gift as well. Maybe I'll get some feedback on it some day. I certainly love gifting books.
So, for both of these books I used recycled paper. I made use of paper from a flower bouquet I received from one of my students. You may see this bouquet here and tell me whether I utilized the ribbons and the paper well.
I love how these presents are fully sustainable: bought second hand and wrapped using second hand supplies. It proves you can be sustainable in every occasion. You just need to put some thought in it.
Don't they say it is the thought that counts?
Why then, isn't keeping wrapping paper to use again- a nice thought?
NOW, LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SECOND BOOK I BOUGHT
Both of these books were in great state and looked brand new. Not that I mind a shabby book myself. I love to see books that are worn out. Books that are worn out are the books that are used. Sometimes the worst state our books are in, the more avid and proficient readers we are. A person who reaches for books often will have books that are worn out. Still, when buying second handbooks, sometimes it is nice to get a book that looks new. Especially, if you decide to gift that book like I did.
OXFORD BY CHRIS DONAGHUE
I'm not going to pretend that I've heard about the photograph before I haven't. I'm also not going to pretend that I'm more knowledgeable about photography than I am. As a painter, I have a pretty good eye, but I'm no expert on photography. I do enjoy it. There was a time when I was really into photography, and then painting sort of took over. I still enjoy reading about photography, and I certainly love photography books.
Oxford by Chris Donaghue is a gorgeous collection of photographs. As the title would imply, the photographs are that of Oxford, where this photography resides. The cover says Chris has been publishing his photographs for more than twenty years.
While I looked for editions of this book, I noticed that some editions of this book have a different photograph on the cover. Perhaps it was a picture of hardcover without the dust wrapper (or dust jacket). I forgot to check whether they are the same.
Anyhow, I absolutely love the cover photograph and its gentle colours. If I'm not mistaken, you can see a number of prominent Oxford sights on this cover image, including the University Church of St Mary the Virgin ( an Anglican church in Oxford, also practically the centre from which the University of Oxford grew) and The Radcliffe Camera library (built in 18th century).
I'm really happy I found and purchased this Oxford book. I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of photography, or just to lovers of beauty in general.
I bought this book because it was beautiful, and I think it makes for a wonderful gift. I'd also say that it would make for a great coffee table book. It is quality made hardcover photography book. The pages are printed on high quality paper.
With nine-two gorgeous photographs, you're sure be inspired. They feature some of Oxford best known locations. As I already said, I'm not a photography expert, but I do love the light in all these photographs.
I think the photographer really used the light to his advantage. He presents Oxford in such a stunning light!
A bit more information about Oxford cited from Britannica:
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2021/09/book-review-and-recommendation.html
That is all for today.
Information about book from Amazon
- Publisher : Chris Donaghue Photography
- Publication date : August 1, 2006
- Language : English
- Print length : 64 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0955319110
- ISBN-13 : 978-0955319112
- Item Weight : 11.4 ounces
This photography book by Chris Donaghue is also an official souvenir of Oxford University!
The cover says so, and this link comfirms- https://heritagesearch.oxfordshire.gov.uk/books/bod-020723184
So, it can be a nice souvenir idea as well.
A bit more information about Oxford cited from Britannica:
University of Oxford, English autonomous institution of higher learning at Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, one of the world’s great universities. It lies along the upper course of the River Thames (called the Isis by Oxonians), 50 miles (80 km) north-northwest of London.
History of Oxford University
Sketchy evidence indicates that by the early 12th century, schools existed at Oxford. By the end of that century a university was well established, perhaps resulting from Henry II’s decision about 1167 to bar English students from attending the University of Paris. Oxford was modeled on that university, with initial faculties of theology, law, medicine, and the liberal arts.
In the 13th century the university gained added strength, particularly in theology, with the establishment of several religious orders, principally Dominicans and Franciscans, in the town of Oxford. The university had no buildings in its early years; lectures were given in hired halls or churches. The various colleges of Oxford were originally endowed boardinghouses for impoverished scholars. They were intended primarily for students pursuing a master’s or bachelor’s degree in arts who needed financial assistance to continue higher studies. The earliest of these colleges, University College, was founded in 1249. Balliol College was founded about 1263, and Merton College in 1264.
Oxford’s early reputation was based on theology and the liberal arts, but the university also gave more-serious treatment to the physical sciences than did the University of Paris. Roger Bacon, after leaving Paris, conducted his scientific experiments and lectured at Oxford from 1247 to 1257. Bacon was one of several influential Franciscans at the university during the 13th and 14th centuries. Among the others were Duns Scotus and William of Ockham. John Wycliffe (c. 1330–84) spent most of his life as a resident Oxford doctor.
Beginning in the 13th century the university gained charters from the crown, but the religious foundations in Oxford town were suppressed during the Protestant Reformation. In 1571 an act of Parliament led to the incorporation of the university. The university’s statutes were codified by its chancellor, Archbishop William Laud, in 1636. In the early 16th century professorships began to be endowed, and in the latter part of the 17th century, interest in scientific studies increased substantially. During the Renaissance, Desiderius Erasmus carried the new learning to Oxford, and such scholars as William Grocyn, John Colet, and Thomas More enhanced the university’s reputation. Since that time Oxford has traditionally held the highest reputation for scholarship and instruction in the classics, theology, and political science.
In the 19th century the university’s enrollment and its professorial staff were greatly expanded. The first women’s college at Oxford, Lady Margaret Hall, was founded in 1878, and women were first admitted to full membership in the university in 1920. In the 20th century Oxford’s curriculum was modernized. Science came to be taken much more seriously and professionally, and many new faculties were added, including ones for modern languages and economics. Postgraduate studies also expanded greatly in the 20th century.
Oxford’s early reputation was based on theology and the liberal arts, but the university also gave more-serious treatment to the physical sciences than did the University of Paris. Roger Bacon, after leaving Paris, conducted his scientific experiments and lectured at Oxford from 1247 to 1257. Bacon was one of several influential Franciscans at the university during the 13th and 14th centuries. Among the others were Duns Scotus and William of Ockham. John Wycliffe (c. 1330–84) spent most of his life as a resident Oxford doctor.
Beginning in the 13th century the university gained charters from the crown, but the religious foundations in Oxford town were suppressed during the Protestant Reformation. In 1571 an act of Parliament led to the incorporation of the university. The university’s statutes were codified by its chancellor, Archbishop William Laud, in 1636. In the early 16th century professorships began to be endowed, and in the latter part of the 17th century, interest in scientific studies increased substantially. During the Renaissance, Desiderius Erasmus carried the new learning to Oxford, and such scholars as William Grocyn, John Colet, and Thomas More enhanced the university’s reputation. Since that time Oxford has traditionally held the highest reputation for scholarship and instruction in the classics, theology, and political science.
In the 19th century the university’s enrollment and its professorial staff were greatly expanded. The first women’s college at Oxford, Lady Margaret Hall, was founded in 1878, and women were first admitted to full membership in the university in 1920. In the 20th century Oxford’s curriculum was modernized. Science came to be taken much more seriously and professionally, and many new faculties were added, including ones for modern languages and economics. Postgraduate studies also expanded greatly in the 20th century.
MORE NON FICTION RECOMMENDATIONS
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2021/09/book-review-and-recommendation.html
That is all for today.
If you are new to little digital place to call my own, I'm a Croatian blogger and I have been blogging for more than a dozen years!
As always, thank you for visiting moda oda radosti blog.
Take care, it's a hard world out there!
Hi, Ivana! You bought wonderful books. These small encyclopedias will become the main books for your friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you Irina.
DeleteI'm happy with my purchases.
Such a stunning outfit. So inspiring for Fall as it nears! & So great to see these Finds of yours from Amazon. Awesome post, as always! 💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛🌈🌈🌈🌈🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🫠🫠🫠🫠 Thank you so much for reading and your wonderful comments. I appreciate them so much. I enjoy your inspiring and informative posts, too. Wishing you a wonderful August 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
ReplyDeleteAll the best in August to you as well!
DeleteSo delightful to see your post. Such interesting books. I can't remember the last nonfiction book I got. Perhaps it was Happy As A Big Sunflower which was basically a Swedish guy's diary of living on the prairie here after the Civil War. It was entertaining..giving a vivid account of life back then. Anyway, these days most of the books I get are from the library. Although, recently, I was so impressed with Immortal Accension (A Wuxia C-drama) that I did get the first book on Kindle. 🥰🌈💛🥰🫠 The outfit is so inspiring. You are giving me ideas to know what to look for in my closet. I love the bag too! 🫠💕🍒🫠 Thanks again for being here and thank you for your comments.
ReplyDeleteHappy As A Big Sunflower sounds like a great book. Thanks for letting me know about it.
DeleteImmortal Accension sounds amazing as well.
Good books and love the outfit. That skirt is so nice and I like the bag too :-D
ReplyDeleteThank you Ananka! I love this skirt, it's my mom's.
DeleteSuch a good post :) You touched on several topics and that's what always excites me about you! About books, encyclopedias, binding, reading, beautiful pictures in books, books as the most beautiful gifts, even if they are used.... I'm sure that the books you gave them will be more and more precious to your nephews over the years! Your photos are the perfection of combining clothes and beautiful looks!!! Thanks for the post, I wish you a happy Assumption and the upcoming weekend 🤗☀️🥂🏖️
ReplyDeleteHow can I thank you for all your wonderful comments?
DeleteBom final de semana minha querida amiga Ivana. São Paulo é a cidade do mundo, que tem mais japoneses, fora do Japão.
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know!
DeleteHello Ivana,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your efforts to be sustainable in all aspects of your life. In fact, I wouldn't say these books are second-hand, the wrapping is very cute and very creative, as only you know how to be. I think your husband's nephews will love them. I remember when you lived in Mostar. You took lots of photos around Mostar.
As for your outfit, the skirt has a very beautiful colour and pattern. You've put together a combination that I would say is unlikely, but it works very well. Congratulations also on your efforts to find all these outfits with the skirt, which show how versatile it is!
Have a great weekend!
Great books, lovely photos, beautiful outfits!
ReplyDeleteAs I am no great reader of printed books anymore (I love my e-reader) I will refer to your outfit. And that looks really great. I love the combi of the shirt with the shirt and the pumps. I would be glad if I had that combi in my closet. And you showed also wonderful other combinations.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visits to my blog.
Have a good time and all the best
Violetta
Dear Ivana,
ReplyDeletethis is truly a uniquely sustainable post – but you know, I really like the way you do it 🌿. The outfit with the yellow-and-black checked skirt looks fantastic on you, and I’m sure it will suit you in countless variations for years to come, as your figure apparently doesn’t change – that’s so practical! (Sadly, that doesn’t work for me right now, and I can’t wear a few of my former favourite pieces anymore… But anything with stretch still works 😉). The books look great, even if they are pre-loved – so why not use them as gifts? I especially find the Oxford book appealing 📚. And your wrapping with used paper works so well – I also keep reusing recycled paper and ribbons for gift wrapping.
Wishing you a wonderful time!
All the best from Austria, Traude
🌿 https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/08/mit-dem-enkel-durchs-waldviertel-und-in.html