a little place to call my own (art and fashion blog)

Today  I'm back with a new fashion illustration but with one that's depicting an old outfit. Yes, we're travelling back in time. I'm sharing a fashion illustration inspired by my visit to Rome city back in 2013 (so almost a decade ago). I very much enjoyed my visit to the eternal city but more about that some other time. Who knows, maybe I'll get a chance to revisit it again? Anyhow, let's talk about this outfit a bit. There is a lot of talk about sustainable fashion these days. One of the best ways to be sustainable is to shop our own closets. That's what I always try to do. I'm devoted to maximizing my closet. Moreover, I genuinely love creating stories with clothing items. The best way to do that is to keep those clothing items, at least for a time.  Now, I don't have all the items I have illustrated anymore but I have most of them. Plus, I assure you I got plenty of wear from those that are no longer with me. I used to wear them all the time whil...

In this post, I shall review The Leopard ,  a historical novel by Italian writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. From what I read, this fascinating novel had a rather difficult birth. The last in line of Sicilian princes, Tomasi has long contemplated writing a historical novel about his grandfather, another prince of Lampedusa.  However, Tomasi sank into depression after Lampedusa Palace was bombed in the Second World War. When Tomasi finally managed to write his novel, it was rejected by publishers. The Leopard was published after Tomasi's death, so unfortunately the author didn't live to see it. Nevertheless, when it was finally published in 1959, The Leopard was an instant success and became a bestseller. What is its legacy today? The Leopard remains one of the most important Italian modern novels. It is, without a doubt, a true classic. Set in Sicily during the events of the Italian Unification, this novel focuses on  the story of noble patriarch who is the real 'le...

In the post, I shall review an autobiographical novel by an acclaimed French writer Marguerite Duras.  Published in 1984, The Lover is a short and poignant lyrical novel. The novel’s dreamy atmosphere, lyrical writing and compelling narrative voice that switches between the first and the third person, makes it a hypnotizing read. Set in Vietnam (French Indochina at the time), The Lover focuses on Duras’ adolescent years, mainly on her intimate relationship with a twenty something Chinese man named Leo. Translated in more than forty languages, this book continues to enchant readers around the world. The author was seventy years old when she wrote this novel. In this complex novel, Duras revealed very personal, painful and intimate details from her life.  The Lover, this powerful Noveau Roman, is one of Duras’ best known works. Having read it, I can certainly see why it is such a popular and praised book. This short but complex book possesses unique literary and artistic q...