A SUSTAINABLE BACK TO SCHOOL- A SUMMER DRESS

 Hello everyone! Happy Back to School! With the start of September, I always feel like a new year is starting. For us educators it means the beginning of A Brand New School Year! However, it is not a phenomenon that only students and educators experience. With the end of summer vacations and holidays, many are starting to gear up for work and embrace new projects. Seminars and conferences are being sold out, people are making gym appointments, taking on new hobbies and so on.  

Whether you're returning to work or school, you can probably feel that 'back to school' atmosphere. I suppose in a way we are all students in the school of life. Every year is a new opportunity for learning. I wish everyone all the best in this new school year, whether it is attending the school of life or a regular educational institution. 

Summer is not over yet, but the end of Summer is in the air. Officially Summer will be over on the twentieth of September. Still, with the start of September, there is this feeling that Summer is gone, even if it still lingers. Where I'm from, warm days will probably continue well into the Autumn.  Nevertheless, one feels that Summer is almost over. For me personally, Summer has practically flown by. Maybe because I had been working six days a week, and maybe because I still managed to have fun.

Back to the subject of this post! How to start our new work or school sustainably? Why, where there is a will, there is a way. Speaking of fashion, layering summer dress is the most natural way to turn our summer wardrobe into an autumn one. You don't need to be frantically shopping. You can wear your summer dresses well into Autumn. I have actually blogged about this sustainable approach to back to school a couple of times. Today I'll show you examples of just what I mean by showing you two ways to style a white cherry print dress. 

The first photograph in this post shows one of my favourite locations in Split city, Croatia. If you remember, I have even painted it. However, we'll talk about that some other time. This photograph was taken this Summer by my husband during one of my free days, and it shows a very summery styling. How to turn that styling into something you can actually wear to work and school? Well, you add tights, dress shoes and a blazer. That's all you need. A change of accessories and some layering. 

Naturally, one will have to adapt to the climate of the location one lives in, but generally speaking you can style your summer clothes and make it more versatile. Keep that feeling of summer with you. As I wrote in the past when I restyled another cherry dress for Autumn: The change of seasons is such an exciting time for fashionably inclined people. The change of seasons allows us to mix and match clothing items from different seasons and that is obviously a great vent for our creative urges. Nevertheless, the summer to autumn change is a bitter sweet time for many. I love autumn so I'm really looking forward to it, but on the other hand I also love summer. The good news is that we can keep wearing our summer dresses in autumn as well. I though it would be a nice challenge to compose a post where I would show you how to style a cherry print dress for Autumn. After all, what says summer and spring more than a cherry print dress? Today I'll show you how to wear a cherry print dress for colder weather. Making the most out of our closet is also good for sustainability so styling a summer dress for autumn is a win win situation.  

OUTFIT NUMBER ONE: A WHITE CHERRY PRINT DRESS STYLED WITH BROWN ACCESSORIES

Let us do an analysis of my summer styling first. It was a typical summer styling. 

Feeling that my white cherry dress was statement enough, I kept my accessories neutral. I opted for a pair of brown heeled sandals and a light beige faux rattan mini bag. I finished my elegant summer styling with a black and white straw hat.

I swear by straw hats in Summer and I venture nowhere without them. You need that additional protection against the sun in the Summer. Honestly, I feel very pretty in this styling. Moreover, it was very comfortable. 

Above you can see me on a bus stop. Taking public transportation is another way to be more sustainable. I was in a fab mood, if my smile is any judge of it. Perhaps I senses that I'll have an enjoyable day ahead. I didn't have a lot of free days, and I was sick with exhaustion on most of them, so it  was fantastic to have such a great day off in my home town. 

THE STORY OF MY OUTFIT- HOW I WORE THESE ITEMS BEFORE?

THE WHITE CHERRY PRINT DRESS- LAST WORN AND ILLUSTRATED HERE.

This Grace Karin white cherry print was sent to me in a collab back in 2019. As you can see, I have been worn it a lot so far. 

1) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2020/09/20-ways-to-wear-white-heeled-sandals.html

2) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2021/09/53-ways-to-wear-pair-of-brown-heeled.html

3) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2019/07/a-beach-outfit-featuring-white-cherry.html

4) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2019/08/what-to-wear-when-its-really-hot.html

5) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-hot-summer-in-mostar-city-nine.html

6) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2019/09/two-ways-to-style-scarf-sustainable.html

7) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2019/04/how-to-find-perfect-easter-outfit-for.html

8) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-hot-summer-in-mostar-city-nine.html

9) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2024/06/my-spring-alphabet-2024.html

10) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2020/08/book-review-and-recommendation-roadside.html

11) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2019/02/a-grace-karin-dress-valentines-day.html

12) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2021/06/spring-styling-restyling-white-cherry.html

13) https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2025/08/friday-fashion-illustration-cherry.html

THE BROWN HEELED SANDALS- 53 WAYS TO WEAR HERE!

Back in 2019, I counted 53 wears for these sandals. How many could I count now? Definitely over a hundred! How many times have I actually worn them. I have no idea but the number must be really high! Here are some other looks I found: 

https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2024/07/magical-buna-and-unicorn-variation-by.html

https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2023/07/roger-zelazny-novels-to-read.html

I really wear these heeled sandals often. They are very flattering. 

THE MINI BIEGE RATTAN BAG- Like this dress, this bag was last worn and illustrated here.

Also  WORN HERE, HERE, HERE , HERE AND HERE

    THE BLACK AND WHITE STRAW HAT- LAST WORN HERE

See how I styled it with a white cherry print dress here  and with a floral mini dress here.

    NOW, LET'S TALK ABOUT THE LOCATION- MATEJUŠKA 

These beautiful stone houses seem to grow out of stones themselves. They look like something straight from the fairy- tale. I can never get tired looking at them, I tell you. So, why not illustrate them?

SEE HOW I ILLUSTRATED AND PAINTED SPLIT BEFORE

  MATEJUŠKA, SPLIT CITY (CROATIA) //

Other places I illustrated in Split city include: 

 ZENTA MARINE, SPLIT CITY (CROATIA) / ŽNJAN BEACH, SPLIT CITY (CROATIA) // A SEAVIEW FROM A PARK (SPLIT, CROATIA) // PHOTODIARY: EN PLEIN AIR SKETCH// OIL PASTELS VS. WATERCOLOUR PENCILS (SPLIT, FIRULE ) // FASHION AND LOCATION ILLUSTRATION (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.

Tumultuous history leaves its trace in the everyday life of the city that always moved steadily forward, remaining the centre of this part of the coast to this day. In those mixtures of history layers, clumsiness was inevitable, sometimes even rashness in development, but today it is all a part of its originality. Great city beats today with the silent whisper of history, the lively spirit of youth and charm of the Mediterranean yet in every way also Croatian warmth...

CITED FROM https://touchadriatic.com/destination/explore-split-the-craziest-city-in-the-whole-world

Matejuška

Matejuška, a natural cove symbolizes memories of long Split history. Skilful Matejuška fishermen were first mentioned in 1507 and are still around. 1675 Z. Calergi′s Split layout outlined floating piers intended for a large number of gajetas (traditional Dalmatian fishing sailboat). Houses of Varoš workers and fishermen garnished with capers sit on rocks; some of them used to rest on strong cliffs washed by the sea and today leave the impression of emerging out of rocks. 

Matejuška used to stretch all the way to fishermen′s alley, today known as Tomića stine Street leading to a small port which was aimed at protecting smaller boats inside the city harbour, but also served as a public laundry washing area – Piškera. Women of Varoš used to do laundry there which would whiten due to existing sulphur. Swimming area Banjo Polo with wooden cabins on stilts was available for the citizens in the period of 1875 through 1927 and visited even after the breakwater was built where many city channels effused. 

In the same year, 1875 Ante Košćina built a small shipyard at the foot of church St.Peter of Solurat, which was closed down in 1927 owing to the construction of the coastline road towards Sustjepan. According to the design of architect Josip Kodl Dom Gusar (Gusar Centre) opened its door on 24 April 1927. Mini airport for the landing of seaplanes was built on the west side of the port. 

Until the beginning of the Second World War, it provided flights two times a week from Czechoslovakia to the Adriatic. According to Marko Uvodić, a legendary couple Roko and Dujka called Cicela lived in the port, an unforgettable pair depicted in the works of Smoje. Nevertheless, the most significant hero Smoje wrote about, though the shortest and the most charming among Matejuška fishermen would be Šanto.  

THE NEW PART OF TOWN, THE SO CALLED ' WEST COAST OR NEW COAST- ( ZAPADNA/ NOVA OBALA)  IS A NEWLY BUILT MARINE

THE WEST COAST - ZAPADNA OBALA

This is what Split site says about the West coast:

 " The West Coast is a kind of a seaside continuation of the Riva, a promenade stretching 623 meters in length. Paved entirely with white stone from Brač, hosting luxurious yachts tied to its coastline and with cafes and restaurants along its entire length, it represents the new popular meeting point for the Split’s citizens and guests.

The West Coast is not only a place where with your coffee you can enjoy in the most spectacular view of Split, there you can also find out who are the Split’s athlete’s who have won an Olympic medal and as such promoted its city all around the world. Along the promenade, right by the sea, bronze plates with the names, the year of the Olympic games, the city the Olympics were held in, the medal that was won and the image of the sport, are imbedded into the white stone. They are lined up chronologically starting with the first Olympic medal."

MATEJUŠKA PORT IS FOLLOWED BY NEWLY BUILT  LUXURIOUS MARINE WHERE YOU CAN HAVE DRINKS IN LOVELY BARS OR JUST CHILL AT ONE OF THE BENCHES

Matejuška has been a small port for local fishermen for centuries.  Besides being an authentic location, Matejuška also offers a nice view of Split city itself. I would definitely recommend visiting it. Why stop there, though? If you continue your stroll and pass by Matejuška, you can also walk in and see the newer port: a luxurious modern marine and the so called 'new coast' or 'west coast' (nova obala/zapadna obala) where you can enjoy drinks at trendy bars with views of yachts and Split city panorama. 

ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE THE MOST ABOUT SPLIT IS THE CONTRAST BETWEEN THE OLD AND THE NEW....

THE MODERN PART OF SPLIT

Split is famous for its Unesco protected Old town that is basically a preserved ancient Roman palace, but there is more to Split then just its ancient part. As a lover of history, I often post about the old parts of Split. As a lover of architecture, I sometimes post about the parts of Split built in the seventies and eighties! If you have been following my blog for a while, you might have come across posts showcasing modern neighbourhoods such as Split 3 (with its University Campus),  Trstenik (with its signature skyscrapers) and Žnjan (that is not restricted to the namesake beach but rather a whole neighbourhood). There is a lot to see in Split. Besides the more well known ancient parts of Split, there are also these award winning modern but still historical neighbourhoods, a triumph of brutalist architecture dating back to the seventies and the eighties. 

Dinko Kovačić, in particular, is a Split architect whose work continues to amaze me and inspire me. One of the most significant Croatian architects of all times, he once famously said that his inspiration has always been- Split city. Growing up in the streets he and other Split architects designed has been a privilege.  The  work of these architects continues to inspire me. 

Read more about it here.....

https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-brutalist-beauty-of-split-sunset.html

The Split architects of the seventies and the eighties designed sunbathed streets that were safe for adults and children to wonder about and explore. They designed streets that not only respected the Mediterranean cultural need for constant socialization but strived to enhance that experience. Our parents never had to worry about us spending entire days outside, as the neighbourhoods were extremely pedestrian friendly, designed like little urban islands secluded from the main roads. Perhaps most importantly, these neighbourhoods were planned. These days many cities in Europe and worldwide struggle with urban planning, growing quickly and out of control, so it is no wonder people are starting to look at the architecture of the sixties, seventies and eighties with nostalgia. Especially if that architecture happens to be people-centric! 

Sometimes the brutalist architecture (in its various forms) is connected to ruins. Sometimes it is not. Sometimes it is far from ruins, and quite expensive to purchase. Sometimes ruins are frequented by tourists. Sometimes not. There are many faces and sides to what is called the brutalist architecture. 

Socialist ruins or brutalist ruins are another topic that merits discussions but I will not have time for it in this post. The reasons why brutalist buildings come to ruins are complex. It can happen everywhere around the world and is not necessarily connected to socialism or communism. Sometimes it is just bad planning, sometimes the lack of funds, sometimes the changing economy.  The reasons why any country might struggle with its brutalist architecture are numerous as well. There are many reasons why there is controversy connected to brutalism, modern and postmodern architecture. Both controversy and nostalgia come up within discourse about Brutalism or Postmodern architecture. If you google the terms, dozens of articles will come up. It is a real rabbit hole. Brutalism is a term often misused and misunderstood. It encompasses a wide variety of meaning. 

Some feel nostalgic towards the time when there was more planned urban developed, some feel that this style has been controversial from its starts. I can understand both to be honest. Maybe some day these thoughts of mine will evolve into a longer post and I will explain what do I mean by that, but not today!

......AND NOW THE SECOND STYLING 

Which styling do you prefer? Maybe that answers whether you're feeling nostalgic about the end of Summer!

Thank you for reading and visiting!