SUIT UP PLUS A READING UPDATE: GREAT EXPECTATIONS AND TAIDA

Holidays are over, it's time to get back to work and what a better way to do it then by wearing a suit? A suit is a wonderful classic, but right now it is also a hot trend (and one that I covered in this post). However, before you go off and buy a new suit, why not try finding one in your closet? Maybe you have an old suit that you can style in a new way. That is what I did for I'm all about shopping one's closet. Trust me nothing about this outfit is new. This grey suit consisting of a matching blazer and skirt is second hand (gifted actually). I styled it with things I already have in my closet, such as this white shirtthis grey tie, this black coat and this pair of heeled booties (all of which you had the chance of seeing in my old outfit posts). This year I'm as determined as ever to keep my fashion habits sustainable by opting to restyle items I already have in my closet or shopping second hand. 
The easiest way to rock the suit look is to find a suit you'll love and feel comfortable and then wear it until you get the hang of it. You can start by shopping your own closet, trying out different items and seeing what works for you. Often you'll find that you already have something in your closet you can work with, such as a blazer you can pair with jeans or pants in a similar tone or something of the sorts. It is important to think of reducing our textile waste these days.  It is only if you can't find anything you like in your closets,  that you should hit the shops. Keep in mind that a suit is definitely a good investment. It is one of those must have items in our closet. 
Suits are actually quite easy to dress up and down. All you need to dress down a suit is a cute top and a pair of sneakers. Likewise, if you want to dress a suit up, all you need is a fancy clutch and a pair of fancy shoes. If you're going to own just one suit, I would suggest opting for a black one. However, a suit in bright colour is a lovely choice as well, especially if it is something you're comfortable wearing. A suit in bright pink can become your iconic piece, if bring pink is something you adore. It is all about what you will feel best in. That's the secret for rocking the power suit look. 
READING UPDATE

GREAT EXPECTATIONS, A NOVEL BY CHARLES DICKENS 4/5
Great Expectations is one of those classics that are worth the hype. I must admit that I haven't seen any of the movies or the series based on this work of literature, so I cannot compare it with anything but itself.  What a wonderful novel it is! I actually started to read Great Expectations years ago so I was somewhat familiar with the plot, but fortunately I managed to forget most of it by the time I picked it up again so I didn't see the ending coming. I'm glad I read this novel now (during the holidays) because it allowed me to fully concentrate on the writing. The narrative is easy to follow, but there are some subtle touches to this novel that demand concentration. Dickens typically makes his novels quite eventful and interesting but he is also excellent at subtle social satire and irony so that is something one needs to pay attention to when reading. Great Expectations is one of those classics you can read more than once because there is so much meaning within it.
I'm pretty familiar with Dickens' style of writing, I read some of his other works, so I knew what to expect. Quite entertaining but also didactic writing that can turn into moralizing at times. However, I don't mind moralizing when Dickens does it because he does it well. There is wisdom in his words, that's for sure. Dickens' portrayal of characters in Great Expectation is very imaginative, memorable and well done (at times the writer turns some of his characters into caricatures but that's part of his charm). Pip makes for such a convincing protagonist. There were times when I found him incredibly irritating but that's part of the story and I do believe that it was intended that way. I had great expectations for Great Expectations (pun intended) and this classic managed to live up to them. Dickens' knows how to write a timeless story.

TAIDA,  A NOVEL BY ANATOLE FRANCE 5/5
When it comes to my holidays reads, this little book was my personal favourite, for it was such a lovely surprise. I absolutely loved this novel. At first, I wasn't too crazy about it for I found the 'spiritual' protagonist, the monk, more than a bit annoying. However, even at the very start, I was impressed by the intelligent writing filled with philosophical passages, gentle irony and subtle wit. It is rare that a man can mock religion and invoke respect for it in the same time. Anatole France criticisms the church, but at the same time he respects the holiness that can exist within it. He seems to be wonderfully open towards everything and an admirer of honesty and truth.

The opening to the novel is pretty simple. A monk travels to Alexandria in order to convert an infidel woman. This monk has decided that he will bring Taida, a famous actress (he himself was enamored with her in his young days) to the light of faith and make a nun of her. As I said, there were quite a few things that bugged me about this monk but as the novel progressed, I realized that they are bugging the author himself. Anatole France adopts the form of the religious/spiritual novel, but his novel is often a criticism of religion itself.

Anatole France mocks the dogmatism and the fanaticism of the religious but at the same time, he shows respect for simple honest believers. He also shows respect for the skeptics, the poor or for anyone who is honest about anything. I also loved how the author made a heroine of a woman who was quite promiscuous and amazingly beautiful. It seems that the writer doesn't blame Taida for anything. That's so unlike the dogmatic way of thinking and so refreshing. The author criticisms a materialistic way of life and the pursuit of wealth, but he doesn't do it by pushing religion down our throats. One has a feeling France understood that this world is a complex place and that answers aren't easily found. There is not a single answer that fits everyone, for we all different and cannot arrive at the same conclusions. Taida wasn't predictable at all. I could sense how things are going to end, but only towards the end. I truly enjoyed reading it. All in all, Taida is a wonderful piece of writing. I was very much impressed with every aspect of this novel. I can't wait to read more of this writer.

As always thank you for commenting, visiting and reading. Have a lovely week ahead!

Comments

  1. Having spent a large part of my adult life in the corporate sector I don't do formal wear.
    Back in the 1980s I bought a grey suit in a very similar colour to yours from a jumble sale - it was classic 80s in style with huge shoulder pads, a dramatic peplum waist and a pencil skirt that finished mid calf. I wore it (and lent it to countless friends) for years and always got the job when I went for interviews. 25p well spent! I wonder where it is now?
    I've never come across Antole France before but the book sounds intriguing. Great reviews. x

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    1. that sounds like quite a suit. This was my first time reading Anatole France too, I liked him a lot.

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  2. You look so good in this suit and the tie is a great menswear inspired accessory! You rock the power suit trend! I don't have a suit but I do have separates for work in grey and black so they can look suit-like when I wear them together :)

    Hope that your week is off to a good start! I just posted my weekday wear linkup, I'd love you to join! :)

    Away From Blue

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  3. Your suit looks fabulous! Wearing it with a tie gives it such a cool menswear vibe. I love a good suit as well. I think some people get intimidated by wearing a full suit but I think what you said about finding one you're comfortable in is key. And it's so true that they can be easily dressed up or down depending on how you style them. I personally like to mix the components up into different outfits as well.

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  4. I follow you on gfc #721 , follow back?

    https://lovefashionyes.blogspot.com/

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  5. I love how you shop your closet all the time Ivana. I did get rid of most of my suits when I retired because they were so boring. If I get another one, I think I want a bright pink one!!
    XOXO
    Jodie

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  6. I love this suit on you - the tie is so awesome! I agree, you just have to wear a suit until you feel comfortable in it. I have a few suiting pieces, but rarely wear them as suits. I may have to try them again soon!

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  7. I love the ways you style your suits especially with the tie! You look very pretty. I don't have anything like it in my closet... I tried several suits on in the shops, but there wasn't "the one". So I better don't buy new clothes if they're not perfect. I like the idea of shopping the closet very much! I try not to buy thngs I won't wear for long.

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    1. Thank you, I agree that it is better not to buy anything if you don't really like it. When you find the suit, you will know it!

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  8. Ivana this suit looks awesome on you- so chic and elegant style. From time to time I like this formal style on myself either

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  9. Shopping one's closet is the best! I've got a couple of vintage skirt suits lurking in mine, but to be honest I do not often wear them as a whole, treating them more like separates. It's been a while since I read Great Expectations and I'm sure we covered Anatole France is French literature lessons back in high school. I don't think I ever read one of his books, though. xxx

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    1. Thank you dear. I sometimes treat vintage suits as separates too. It's somehow more fun to mix and match them, isn't it?

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  10. Dearest Ivana,
    your suit looks great on you - both with your pants and with your skirt - and I'm happy that you still go for "closet shopping". You seem to have as much fun mixing your clothes as I do.
    I have read "Great Expectations" twice, both several years ago. I liked it like you; Dickens' style is timeless and very worth reading. I don't know "TAIDA" or Anatole France so far, but the content of the novel seems to be very intelligent. I like it when books are not dogmatic, but leave room for your own opinion.
    Hugs and a Happy 2020!
    Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2020/01/die-tage-rund-um-weihnachten-und-neujahr.html

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    Replies
    1. Thank you dear. Taida is a wonderful novel, I can recommend it. I want to read more from this author, this book was my first Anatole France!

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  11. Love that suit, you look so stylish and classy in that outfit!
    Happy New Year!

    jointyicroissanty

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  12. I love a great suit outfit, so gorgeous!!! You look amazing and strong!! So good. Happy New Year lovely, I hope it's a beautiful one for you!! xx

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  13. I always loved suits. You look amazing in this outfit, loved how you styled your suit.

    https://www.ninakobi.com/2020/01/ended-2019-in-madison-square-garden-new.html

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  14. These are great tips for styling a suit and I totally agree with shopping your closet, whenever possible. I only have one suit (bright red), but I love wearing blazers with jeans.
    Julia x
    https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/

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  15. I love this outfit you look so smart :-D

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  16. I love the combination of the clothes! Must be cool outfit for work... It just give this kind of vibe!

    xx
    https://anna-alina.blogspot.com/

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All your comments mean a lot to me, even the criticism. Naravno da mi puno znači što ste uzeli vrijeme da nešto napišete, pa makar to bila i kritika. Per me le vostre parole sono sempre preziose anche quando si tratta di critiche.

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