SUMMER TO AUTUMN TRANSITION 2024 (SPLIT CITY)
Hello dear readers and fellow bloggers! In this post, we'll talk about Summer to Autumn transition. It's actually one of my favourite seasonal transitions, because it allows us to easily play with layers and textures. Early Autumn is that magical time when you can wear a sweater or a light jacket over your summer dress and call it a day. As the days get colder, we'll need more layering but we can still draw from that Summer inspiration.
How to keep Summer in our hearts even when the Autumn arrives? Well, think of all the positive things that you associate with Summer and then figure out how you can keep them in Autumn. That's what I'm trying to do for myself. Not to stress about the seasonal change, but rather to embrace it. For example, this particular post has been long in the making. I started it this Summer and planned to post about the summer outfits I wore while in Split city. However, as Summer turned to Autumn, I found myself with some new looks. So, I decided to join them altogether and do some writing as well! Yes, I'm going to mediate a bit on life. Everything in life is interwoven anyway.
My blog started as a fashion one, but gradually it moved more towards art. Nowadays, it's a mixture of both. One can argue that fashion is a form of art, so I'm some sense, I never strayed that far away from my original niche. Today, I'll talk clothes and seasonal transition. Seasonal changes can be wonderfully inspiring and magical, but they can also trigger health problems and in some cases seasonal depression. Seasonal affective disorder is a real thing and many people experience it as the seasons change. Even those who don't, might feel like they're not prepared for a new season.
What does one do if one doesn't feel ready for a new season? I find that finding beauty in every season helps me to keep a positive outlook as the weather changes. If you can find ways to celebrate new season, by all means do that. If we can find joy in styling our clothes in a new way, that can certainly help us make the most out of the new season. I definitely find myself looking forward to putting new outfits together.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR WARDROBE TRANSITION MORE SUSTAINABLE?
If you want to be more sustainable in your fashion choices, same things apply to seasonal fashion that do at other times. When it comes to shopping, explore buying vintage, second hand or support the local designers. Never forget to shop your closet!
Sometimes I feel like a queen of shopping my closet, and sometimes I feel like I could do better in some ways. For example, when it comes to organizing my closets! I do pretty well when it comes to maximizing a certain clothing item. I think my blog helped me with that, because it helped me to keep a visual track of my clothes. I really love wearing clothes in different ways. I think it's something I always enjoyed.
What I personally like to do is to go long period without buying anything. Sometimes I'll go months without buying any clothing items or accessories. Sometimes it will be a full year. Sometimes I'll just buy the things I really need, for example clothes or accessories that I must for work or some other thing, but I'll refrain from buying anything I feel like I don't really need.
I don't really do official shopping bans, it's just something I naturally gravitate towards to. I suppose a lot of people shop less as they wardrobe grows bigger. Different people have different ways of organizing their shopping and making it more sustainable. What matters is that shopping doesn't become a mindless activity. When you shop, be mindful what you do it and what is it that you really need. Don't just shop for clothes because it's something everyone does. You need to make sure your shopping habits and choices match your lifestyle.
That's why everyone might have different ways of shopping more sustainable, and that's perfectly alright. Some make their own textile and then make clothes, some might even use second hand textile for making clothes, some focus on buying clothes produced in a way deemed sustainable. Some buy vintage or second hand. Some might prefer shopping more often, but buying less. Some buy and support local designers. Some people will buy one item every week, and think of ways to make it a part of their wardrobe.
HOW I SHOPPED SUSTAINABLY THIS SUMMER?
This Summer I broke a long string of not buying anything. I went to a second hand shop twice and both times I bought about a kilogram of clothing. I shopped having work in mind, too. I bought a lot of white tops and shirt to wear to work. However, I also bought some really cute dresses that you will see soon enough. Some you have already seen. I feel like this Summer was the right time to shop. I only shop when I'm in mood for it, and this Summer I obviously had a bit more time, so that made me more relaxed. I started this new season feeling pretty confident about my fashion prospect. I'm looking forward to fitting the things I bought with those already in my wardrobe.
I'm wearing some new clothes in this post, but only one look is from my newly acquired second hand kilogram of clothes. Some new clothes arrived to my closet unexpected. For example, the blue jumpsuit you can see me wearing in the first look was a second hand gift from my sister in law. The same goes for this golden skirt I'm wearing under the black knit dress.
TIPS FOR BEING FORE SUSTAINABLE IN YOUR TRANSITIONAL FASHION CHOICES
I spoke about being sustainable a lot of times. Not everything works for everyone, but here are some sustainable fashion tips that I think would work for most people.
- STYLE, DON'T JUST BUY
- WEAR MORE, SHOP LESS
- TAKE CARE OF YOUR CLOTHES
-MEND WHAT NEEDS TO BE MEND
- EXPLORE LAYERING CLOTHES
- EXPERIEMNT WITH STYLING SUMMER CLOTHES FOR AUTUMN!
MY SUMMER TO AUTUMN TRANSITION 2024
Mediterranean Autumn transition is different than in some other countries. Our transition from Summer to Autumn often feels sudden, but it's not always permeant. What do I mean by that? One day we might need coats, and the other we're back in short sleeves. Such is the Mediterranean weather. I live in two countries, but both of the regions in the two countries I live in are quite warm.
There's always that moment when it gets cold all of the sudden as the weather changes. And that moment can be repeated a number of times when it comes to Mediterranean Autumn.
Traditionally, Summer to Autumn transition was bittersweet for me. I passionately loved Summer as a kid, and was always sad to see it gone as an adult. At the same time, I loved Autumn. I would say that as a child, I always preferred Summer to Autumn. As a slightly older child and later a teenager, I loved them both equally. I would get excited for the start of the new school year. As an adult, I often preferred Autumn to Summer. I would enjoy the peacefulness of Autumn. Eventually, I even learned to love Winter.
The end of this Summer brought me some sorrows, but I'm embracing Autumn with an open heart. I'm kind of relived the Summer is over to be honest. It was beautiful but also quite intense.
I WORKED DURING SUMMER SO THE WORK TRANSITION DIDN'T FEEL THAT SUDDEN BUT I STILL HAVE THIS FEELING LIKE THERE NEVER IS ENOUGH TIME
Transition to work didn't feel too sudden, but it was tiresome just because there was and still is a lot to do. I didn't feel too sad about the end of the Summer. This Summer was very unusual for me in some way, but it was also educating and I'm grateful for the lessons it had to give. Sometimes I feel like I really don't have anytime left for blog. However, a good thing about having a blog for a while is that you feel that the next post can always wait for a bit! I mean I have so many published post. If someone really misses my blog, they can always dig through the archives.
FASHIONWISE, THE TRANSITION MIGHT BE VERY INTERESTING FOR A NUMBER OF REASON!
As I already said, I'm really looking forward to the new season and the possibilities Autumn fashion provides. I think I might come up with some interesting stylings, inspired by my second hand purchases.
SOMETIMES THE BEST OUTFITS AREN'T PLANNED
I'd say that was the case with my first outfit. During one of my visits to Split, I forgot to pack any clothes, so I had to make due with what I had in my parents' apartment. I remembered that I had this off shoulder cobalt blue mini dress. However, worn on its own, the mini dress felt too tight and I wasn't feeling uncomfortable. I wanted to wear something over it, but couldn't figure out what it should be. I tried a few things on, and then I came across a black shirt with gold chain print that I got from my sister in law. I tried wearing it over, but felt too hot. Suddenly, I remembered that I once watched a tutorial about tieing (tying) a shirt as a top. The tick is that you tie the sleeves around your neck. I did that and I was happy with the result. I added a belt from my flared jacket, and wore my Boromira (new generation of Borosana) sandals and mini rattan bag. In the end, I was left with an unique styling. Well, Socrat did say that necessity is the mother of creating. It seems that necessity brings forward creativity!
HOW I WORE IT BEFORE? SUSTAINABLE FASHION FILES
OUTFIT NUMBER #1- A BLUE ONE SHOULDER DRESS STYLED WITH A LONG SLEEVED BLACK SHIRT WORN AS A TOP, RATTAN MINI BAG AND BOROMIRA (BOROVO) SANDALS
A BLUE ONE SHOULDER DRESS- I first wore this dress in Autumn 2018 with an olive green blaer. I received it for a blog collaboration. In Summer 2019, I paired this blue one shoulder dress with a green scarf and a straw hat for a visit to Blagaj. In 2021, I wore it as a top, layering it under a pink vintage skirt. I thought that outfit was particularly cute. That's all from documented wears that I can remember. While I like the uniqueness of one sleeve items, I must admit that I sometimes find it a bit challenging styling them.
A LONG SLEEVED BLACK SHIRT WITH CHAIN PRINT
In 2021, I wore this long black shirt with a beige mini skirt and white sandals. I know that I wore it a couple of times after that, but I'm not sure I have any documented wears to share with you.
A MINI RATTAN BEIGE BAG- I wear this mini bag all the time. I love how it gives summer vibes. Last time I posted this bag was this summer, and I paired it with a floral dress. Before that? I wore it with wide trousers, a striped scarf and a pink top. You can see how I styled it with a black dress and beige heels here, with a purple and lilac outfit here, and with a brown maxi skirt and a mint blazer here.
THE BOROMIRA SANDALS (ALSO KNOWN AS BOROSANE)
I've had this pair from a Croatian company Borovo for years and I love them to bits.
COLABLT BLUE AND BLACK WITH TOUCHES OF GOLD- A SUMMER STYLING
Maront's street is definitely a street worthy of a visit. Maront's street (also known as Marmontova) is the main pedestrian street in the old city centre. It was named after the French general Marmont who looked after the infrastructural development of the Split city at the time when Split was occupied by Napoleon's army and in the following period of the French rule. The street is quite wide, neat and often vibrant with life.
There are usually at least a few street performers during summer nights. We saw a couple of them as we walked by. This street is typically packed with people. You can see it on the photograph above.
Marmont's street has several attractions of its own including a French culture and language centre, several historical buildings, many shops and a fish market. Marmont's street is sometimes called the pulse of the city, as it is one of the best known streets in the city.
There was a concert of two 'klapa' groups (klapa are musical groups that sing traditional accapella) . There was a sweet tourist lady who asked me about the music. She was fascinated by it and wanted to known whether it was Croatian traditional music. She was really happy when I told her that -yes, it was a traditional form of singing prevalent in the Croatian coastal area (Dalmatia and Istria).
KLAPA SIGNING IS PROTECTED UNDER UNESCO
STANDING IN FRONT OF CITY YOUTH'S THEATRE IN SPLIT
If you take a turn while on Marmont's street you can get to City Youth Theatre. My husband and I remembered this amazing play we saw titled Frogs. I will review it one of these days, I promise. It was one of the best plays I have ever seen. The City Youth Theater is not just for the young and kids. They have some serious plays on their repertoire. Moreover, besides being a performance space for kids, they provides workshops for those interested in acting, singing, and dancing.
SPLIT IS FILLED WITH CHARMING LITTLE SQUARES AND STREETS
There's so much to see and do in Split!
MORE ABOUT HISTORY OF SPLIT (CITED FROM https://visitsplit.com/en/398/the-history-of-split
The history of Split
The history of Split is over-flowingly rich and turbulent to fit in just a couple of sentences. Although the Split area was earlier inhabited by the Greek colonies, Emperor Diocletian should be considered its first citizen and founder, starting his lavish villa of around 300 square meters near the great city of Salona in 293 AD, only to retire from the Roman throne within its walls after building it for ten years.
Turbulent centuries that followed turned the villa into a city, conceived by the fugitive inhabitants of Salona who fled from the Avars and Slavs. Many authorities changed hands in the city which, in the years to come, grew beyond the Palace walls, from the Croatian Kings in the 10th century, through the Hungarian and Venetian administration, to the French rulers and the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Modern age and the 20th century "moved" Split from the kingdom of Yugoslavia, through tragic, yet heroic times of the Italian and German occupation during the Second World War when Split was one of the centres of anti-fascist resistance, to the Socialist Yugoslavia and the present period of the free and independent Croatia, member of the European Union.
MORE POSTS ABOUT SPLIT CITY
In this recent 2024 post, you'll find photographs of beach Žnjan, a summer outfit and my meditations about painting the sea. Below there are more links to explore from posts shot in Split city.
SPLIT CITY CENTRE AND A MIDI DRESS
 Open in 1883, Split's National Theatre is one of the oldest surviving theatres in Dalmatia's region. At time time of its opening, it had a capacity of 1000 seats (at time Split's population counted only 16,000 ). It was the largest theatre of Southeast Europe in its time. It's such a gorgeous building too! It is worth visiting just for the sight of it. Moreover, this is really the perfect place to see a play, a ballet or an opera, especially so if you're a fan of historical theaters. Why not take the opportunity to see a play on a historical stage? When it comes to Croatian National Theatre Split, I particularly enjoy their opera performances. |
| THERE WAS A CONCERT IN FRONT OF NATIONAL THEATRE IN SPLIT |
There was a concert of two 'klapa' groups (klapa are musical groups that sing traditional accapella) . There was a sweet tourist lady who asked me about the music. She was fascinated by it and wanted to known whether it was Croatian traditional music. She was really happy when I told her that -yes, it was a traditional form of singing prevalent in the Croatian coastal area (Dalmatia and Istria).
KLAPA SIGNING IS PROTECTED UNDER UNESCO
Klapa multipart singing of Dalmatia, southern Croatia
Inscribed in 2012 (7.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
The leader of each singing group is the first tenor, followed by several tenori, baritoni and basi voices.
During performances, the singers stand in a tight semicircle.
The first tenor starts the singing and is followed by the others. The main aim is to achieve the best possible blend of voices.
Technically, klapa singers express their mood by means of open guttural, nasal sotto voce and falsetto singing, usually in high-pitched tessitura.
Another feature is the ability to sing freely, without the help of notation.
Topics of klapa songs usually deal with love, life situations, and the environment in which they live. Bearers and practitioners are skilled amateurs who inherit the tradition from their predecessors.
Their ages vary with many younger people singing with older singers. In ‘traditional klapa’, knowledge is transferred orally.
‘Festival klapa’ is more formally organized with a focus on performance and presentation.
In ‘modern klapa’, young singers gain experience by attending performances and listening to recordings.
Local communities see klapa singing as a central marker of their musical identity, incorporating respect for diversity, creativity and communication.
WHAT MAKES KLAPA UNIQUE IS THEIR POPULARITY
WHAT MAKES KLAPA UNIQUE IS THEIR POPULARITY
Rare are the countries where traditional music can fill up stadiums. Croatian traditional musicians and singers have no problems booking a stadium. It's wonderful that quality music is still appreciated.
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As much as I love Split being a living museum, what I saw this Summer worried me. A lot of drunken Europeans wondering the streets like zombies! I feel like it goes against everything in our culture. Split's nights used to be about music and art.
HOW MANY TIMES HAS SPLIT APPEARED IN TRAVEL WITH MY ART SERIES?
I shared A COUPLE of my paintings inspired by Split city in my Travel with my Art series. That was not the first time I painted my home city. It has appeared in Travel With My Art series a couple of times.
SEE HOW I ILLUSTRATED AND PAINTED SPLIT BEFORE
MATEJUŠKA, SPLIT CITY (CROATIA)
A SEAVIEW FROM A PARK (SPLIT, CROATIA)
Besides in this regular feature, Split city has appeared in my other art posts as well. Have a look and follow the links below to see how Split inspired my art.
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PHOTODIARY: EN PLEIN AIR SKETCH
Back in Spring 2021, I took advantage of wonderful sunny weather to do some en plein air sketching in Split city, Croatia. The weather was so warm that it felt like summer. The beach I sketched is called Firule and what you can se in the distance is island Čiovo. I drew this seascape with watercolour pencils, What made me choose this spot to sketch were the colours. I was fascinated by the colour of the sea and the rocks. Moreover, I really like the background. I do enjoy working outdoors and it is fortunate to live in a warm climate so one can sketch outdoor without risking a cold. I don't have any major issues with people looking at me while I sketch or paint. I'm mostly so concentrated that I don't even notice it. It was definitely nice to be out and about in Split city again.
I completed this watercolour pencil sketch the same day I started it. There was also a version I made with oil pastels. In case anyone is wondering, I don't have these two with me anymore. I shipped some of my art to one (amateur) art gallery. The watercolour landscape I'm sharing with you today was among the paintings sent while the pastel version of this scene was sent to a friend. Both of them were sketched on a lovely sunny day on Firule beach in Split.
Why do location and fashion illustrating often go hand in hand? I found myself asking that question today. I love exploring all aspects of fashion illustration, because well it's something I'm passionate about, and I've pretty much always been into it. Seriously, my elementary schoolbooks are filled with fashion illustrations. Anyhow, as of late, I find myself wanting to make fashion illustrations that will be as much about the location as about the outfit. I know I'm not the only one. There are many fashion illustrators out there who do location illustrating as well. I'm not sure what is the secret connection, but location art sure gets along with fashion art.
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I SPENT A FAIR AMOUNT OF TIME IN SPLIT CITY THIS SUMMER and I loved it!
My beautiful city, nicknamed the pearl of the sea, is a fascinating mix of the old and the new. Originally build as a summer residence for an ancient Roman emperor Diocletian, it has had an eventful and interesting history.
The main square of Roman times is located next to the cathedral that started its long life as a mausoleum of emperor Diocletian. That makes perfect sense, if you think about it. The purpose of the square was to be the centre of social and religious life. This is where the emperor Diocletian would appear before his folk to be celebrated as the living son of Jupiter. Emperor Diocletian is no more, but Split city lives on and I like to think that he would be proud seeing what happened to his Palace. What I love about Split the most is how full of life it feels. People are still sitting under those columns every day and night. It's like a museum in the open.
As much as I love Split being a living museum, what I saw this Summer worried me. A lot of drunken Europeans wondering the streets like zombies! I feel like it goes against everything in our culture. Split's nights used to be about music and art.
I DON'T LIKE THE WAY TOURISM IN SPLIT CITY DOESN'T SEEM TO BE TAKING THE SUSTAINABLE ROUTE
I will always love Split, but I'm not a fan of the direction the tourism is taking. I don't think it's normal to have so many drunk foreign tourists in what is effectively an Unesco protected palace. The centre of Split city is basically a living museum. It's not a place people should go clubbing. Whoever issued a permit for a liquor store to be opened within these historical walls needs to be fired immediately. I hope Split tourism will take a more suitable approach for the next season. Close the bars, open the museums- that sort of thing. I mean there are a lot of amazing cultural events, but it's hard to enjoy them when some tourists seem to be looking for something- well, less cultured. To each his own. There are places for partying. Unesco protected sights cannot be party destinations. I think tourists need to be briefed on this. History needs to be respect. For all of our sakes!
CHURCH AND MONASTERY OF SAINT FRANCIS IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE FOUNTAINT
I blogged about different sights to see in Split city quite a few times, but the church of saint Francis deserves additional mention. It is located on the western side of Riva (the famous promenade), quite close to the historical city fountain (another cool spot to visit). On the photograph above you can see me standing next to the fountain.
The church and the monastery of Saint Francis were both build on an early Christian site. Prior to the construction of Saint Francis' church, there had been a smaller church and grave of saint Felix (an early Christian martyr) located here. The little brothers (i.e. monks of order of Saint Francis) have inhabited this church and monastery since the thirteenth century. The monastery's library boosts of about 3000 books, some of them dating back to the sixteenth century. The church and the monastery guard some valuable historical art as well as the graves of prominent Split citizens, such as the father of Croatian literature Marko Marulich.
YOU CAN FIND MARKO MARULIĆ'S TRANSLATED TEXTS HERE.
Deutsch
- Der catholische Christen-Spiegel (1568)
- Ein schöner Tractat Marci Maruli (1578; S. 100-174)
- Sechs Bücher Von gedächtnuss würdigen Reden und Thatten (1583)
- Sechs Bücher Von gedächtnuss würdigen Reden und Thatten (1594)
- Sechs Bücher Von gedächtnuss würdigen Reden und Thatten (1614)
- Ein schöner Tractat Marci Maruli (1702, S. 257 >>)
Español
- Comentario sobre las inscripciones de los antiguos [fragmento]
- Davidíada [fragmento]
- De la correspondencia personal de Marko Marulić
- De la institución de vivir virtuosamente según los ejemplos de los santos [fragmento]
- Epístola del Señor Marko Marulić de Split al papa Adriano VI
- Respuesta a Franjo Božićević
- Euangelistario: Prólogo
- Evangelistario y L parabolas (1655)
- Pregunta el cristiano [Carmen de doctrina]
- Versos de M. Marulo [Carmen de doctrina]
- Versos de M. Marulo [Carmen de doctrina]
Français
- À la Vierge Marie
- Dialogue de M. Marulic sur Hercule
- Dialogue de Michel [!] Marvlle…, [Carmen de doctrina] (1647, str. 462-465)
- Institution pour mener une bonne vie d’après les exemples des saints (dédicace, prologue et chapitre I)
- Lettre du Seigneur Marko Marulić de Splitau Souverain Pontife Adrien VI
- Marcus Marulus à Thomas Niger, évêque de Scardona, Salut
- Plaintede la ville de Jérusalem suppliant le Pape de réunir les seigneurs chrétiens pour la délivrer des mains des infidèles
- Prière contre le Turc
- Sur les souffrances de Jésus-Christ
- 4 poèmes (extraits): Judith, Suzanne, La prière contre les Turcs, Anne (satire)
- Dialogue de Michel [!] Marvlle… [Carmen de doctrina] (1647, pp. 462-465)
- Sermon de Marko Marulić sur le jugement dernier du Christ
- Vers de M. Marvle…, 1590. (str. 608-613) [Carmen de doctrina]
OUTFIT NUMBER #2- A BLUE JUMPSUIT PAIRED WITH BOROMINA SANDALS, A MINI RATAN BAG AND A DARK BELT
A BLUE JUMPSUIT - As I said, this lapis blue jumpsuit is another second hand treasure. One that I didn't buy myself, it was passed on to me by my sister in law. Anyhow, this is the first time this jumpsuit has appeared on this little place to call my own. I wore it four times, but you'll have to wait a bit to see how I styled it.
THE ACCESSORIES (BOROMINA SANDALS, A MINI RATAN BAG AND A DARK BELT) WERE LINKED UP IN THE FIRST OUTFIT, SO YOU CAN LOOK IT UP ABOVE!
OUTFIT NUMBER #3- A BLACK KNIT DRESS STYLED WITH A NAVY FLARED JACKET, A GOLD SKIRT AND B &W SNEAKERS
A BLACK KNIT DRESS - I bought this dress for work. You can see how I styled this black dress with flare leggings in June (location Split), in April with a pink sweater (location Hvar), in February layered with a white shirt under the black dress, plus high heels.
A NAVY FLARED JACKET that is one of the hardest working clothing items in my closet. In April I paired it with jeans, in 2021 I wore it with a grey dress. If you want to see 10 more ways to style this flared jacket check out this post. You can also see how I wore this jacket recently with a pink dress here. Moreover, you can see how I styled this pair of sneakers before here and this straw bag here.
OUTFIT NUMBER #4- A BOHO WHITE TOP WORN WITH A SILVER SKIRT
Both the sleeveless boho top and the silver skirt are new purchases. I gifted the skirt to my mother, and she said she wore it and liked it. The beige rattan bag was liked up in the first outfit, and the tropical print sandals were last worn here.
As I mentioned in one of my recent posts, I've had this pair for years and I wear them all the time. The sandals are incredibly comfortable but (in my opinion), they don't have that ugly tourist sandal vibe going on. I mean technically they do have that orthopedical not exactly fashionable sandal shape, but something about the print makes them so cool.
1-30) In 2021, I published 30 WAYS TO WEAR A PAIR OF TROPICAL SANDALS. I love coming back to this visual guide for more inspiration on styling this versatile pair.
31) I wore them with a white dress and a big straw hat for a visit to Buna ten days ago.
32)...with a dark pattern pencil skirt and a yellow tip (plus the big hat of course) in 2021.
A GIF SHOWING MY SUMMER OUTFITS
We reached the end of the post! How was your Summer? Are you looking forward to Autumn? Have you ever been to Split? Do you enjoy posts from Split? Let me know in the comments.
Thank you for reading, visiting or just stopping by! Have a lovely Sunday.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful summer outfits, I like the different shades of blue. I also like your autumnal version, very chic.